How to Collect Stream Water Samples - Arkansas Water Resources Center

SECTIONS:
0:19 - Materials
1:07 - Choosing Location
1:41 - Triple Field Rinse
2:11 - Fill Bottle with Sample
2:27 - Storage and Delivery

The Arkansas Water Resources Center offers several analytical packages that test different water quality parameters depending on your specific needs. To obtain the best possible results from your stream water quality analysis, follow the steps outlined in this video.

For more information, visit https://arkansas-water-center.uark.edu/.

We will be moving to new digital homes at uaex.uada.edu (extension) and aaes.uada.edu (research).

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[Transcript]
When submitting a water sample to the Arkansas Water Resources Center for
testing, follow these steps to obtain the best possible results.

To collect a water sample from streams that are accessible from the stream bank, you will need: a clean sample bottle with a volume of either 1/2 liter or one liter depending on what will be analyzed at the lab, a permanent marker, waders or a sampling pole, as needed, a cooler with ice or ice packs, and a shipping container and ice pack if applicable. Clean sample bottles can be obtained from your local County Extension Office or from the AWRC water quality lab. You can also use a regular plastic water bottle—just be sure to pour out the water first. Don't contaminate the bottle by drinking from it.

First, label your sample bottle with your name, the date the sample is being collected, and a unique sample ID. If you submit more than one sample at a time, be sure to use different IDs for each sample. Next, determine where you will collect your sample. Choose the area where the water is deepest and fastest-moving, and avoid debris or surface films. Enter the stream by walking at a slight angle in the upstream direction, and try to avoid kicking up excessive dirt and sediment from the stream bed. Once you reach the sampling location, allow any sediment to settle or drift downstream. If the water is too high or the current too fast to safely wade into the stream, use a pole to collect a sample from the stream bank instead.

Next, perform a triple field rinse, which cleans your sample bottle with the water you're collecting, and minimizes the risk of contamination. Carefully remove the bottle cap without touching the inside of the cap or bottle, and submerge to about one-third of the total depth. Fill the bottle about 1/3 of the way, replace the cap, shake, and then pour out behind and away from you. Be sure to avoid kicking up sediment by moving your feet. Repeat this process two more times to complete the triple rinse.

Finally turn the triple-rinsed bottle upside down and submerge to about one-third of the stream depth. Slowly turn the bottle right-side up to fill, being careful not to scrape the stream bed. Leave approximately one inch of head space at the top of the bottle. Exit the stream and store the bottle in a cooler to preserve the sample until it can be delivered or shipped to the AWRC.

If you have any questions about collecting or submitting water samples, please contact your local county extension agent or the AWRC water quality lab.