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A National Protocol for State of the Environment Groundwater Sampling in New Zealand

Part One: Introduction

Part Two: The Sampling Protocol

Appendix 1: Nationally Standardised Protocol for State of the Environment Groundwater Sampling in New Zealand - Flow Chart

Appendix 2: Sample field sheet

Appendix 3: Information that should be recorded regarding each Sampling Site

Appendix 4: Recommended gear list

Appendix 5: Instructions for isolating a pressure tank

References

Appendix 2: Sample field sheet

This appendix includes a sample field sheet that can be used to record information during sampling. The use of this particular field sheet is not required for compliance with this protocol. However, recording of information to this level of detail is to help qualify and quantify parameters which are measured or visually observed in the field, and to aid in the later interpretation of the analytical results. It is important that the sampler records field data in a way that will be comprehensible to other users of the data. In order to help achieve this, explanations of the information to be recorded on the field sheet are provided below.

1 Site details

Site name: The site name is a unique identifier for the well, bore, spring or other sample location. It can be composed of any combination of letters and numbers as long as it is unique and easily understood by the sampler. It is advisable to record the name permanently in a database, along with other site details that would not change between sampling events (eg, site location, screened interval, bore depth, etc). This information is used to help identify and locate the bore, to determine pump placement, and to calculate purge volumes.

Screen: The top and bottom of the screened or open interval of the bore. Specify units of measurement (eg, metres below ground surface or metres from top of casing). This information is required to ensure correct placement of any portable pump used.

Depth: Total depth of the bore. Specify units of measurement (eg, metres below ground surface or metres from top of casing).

Grid reference: This specifies the location of the site in some co-ordinate system (eg, New Zealand Map Grid). It is typically given as an Easting and a Northing. Can be used as a check on whether the correct bore is being sampled. Be sure to record the coordinate system used.

MP: Measuring point. This is the point from which water level is measured. It is typically the top of casing, top of flange plate or top of measuring plug.

MP RL: Measuring point reference level. This is the reference level of the bore relative to a known datum. This datum is typically, but not necessarily, given in metres above or below mean sea level.

Fittings required: If special fittings are required to obtain a sample from the bore, this note is useful to ensure the correct fittings are brought to the site.

Location: This is a description of the location of the bore, for example "behind white shed". These instructions should be detailed enough for a new sampler to be able to locate the site without any difficulty. Give reference to gates, driveways, raceways and obvious landmarks.

Contact details: As most SOE sites are private bores, it is important to keep in regular contact with the land owner.

Collection instructions: This can include information on how to start a pump, or free-flow a bore. Include any information needed to allow a sample to be taken from the bore.

2 Field information

Date: Date sample collected.

Collected by: Sampler(s) name/s. Useful when analysing data.

Time: Time sample collected. Differentiates from time when pumping was started. Be sure to state whether the time given is referenced to daylight savings time or standard time.

Bore water level: Water level above or below the measuring point. A level below MP should be negative, above MP (artesian) positive. State units of measurement (eg, metres).

Pump on: Whether or not the pump is operating on arrival.

Time pump on: Time that the pump is turned on (if known).

Pump method: Will generally be a pumped sample, but may be a bailed or free-flowing sample.

Calculated purge volume: This is the volume of water in the bore, as calculated and described in Step 3.2.

Minimum total purge volume: The minimum total purge volume is the volume calculated above multiplied by three. See Step 3.2.

Estimated discharge rate: Generally recorded in litres per second. Measure using the water meter on the bore, or if no meter is present, measure using a bucket and a stopwatch.

Required purge time: This is calculated from the purge volume and the discharge rate.

Sample appearance at completion of pumping: This is a useful qualitative indicator of sample appearance. Samples can be described as clear or turbid based on the cloudiness of the sample or the amount of suspended sediment it contains. Groundwater samples can often have a coloured appearance. Typical colours range from a red/rusty colour to a slightly yellow colour. Bores which have remained stagnant for a long time often appear coloured at the start of pumping. Groundwater in peaty areas often has a yellow tinge. A description of odour can also be a useful qualitative measure. In reducing groundwater systems an 'eggy' smell can often be detected as hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) leaves the water. The degree of odour is often categorised as slight, moderate or strong. Other odours used to describe a groundwater sample include 'iron odour' or 'metallic odour'.

Samples: Indicates what samples were collected from the site, whether or not each sample was compliant or non-compliant with the protocol, and also records an identification number for each sample. If any sample is non-compliant with the protocol, ensure the reasons for this are noted under the comments.

3 Sample field sheet

Date: ______________________________ Pump on: Yes / No

Collected by: ________________________ Time pump on: ______________________

Time: __________________NZST / NZDT Calculated purge volume:_______________

Bore w/l: __________mm above/below MP Calculated total purge volume: litres

Pump method: pumped / bailed / free flowed Required purge time: min

Sample appearance at commencement of pumping:

Clear / Turbid Colourless / Colour _____________________ Odourless / Odour ___________________

Sample appearance at completion of pumping:

Clear / Turbid Colourless / Colour _____________________ Odourless / Odour ___________________

Samples: Compliance: Sample ID:

Filtered, acid-preserved Yes / No

Filtered, unpreserved Yes / No

Unfiltered, unpreserved Yes / No

Unfiltered, unpreserved (Isolated from Air) Yes / No

Unfiltered, unpreserved (Sterile) Yes / No

Additional

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