Water Sampling

Sampling Objectives

The first step in water quality sampling and testing is to answer the question “Why sample and test the water?”

Why Sample and Test the Water:

Regular testing is the only way to know if problems exist with your water quality.
To help ensure you are using water suitable for your intended agricultural use.
To help ensure that your drinking water is safe.
To help determine the effectiveness of your water treatment system.
To help determine if there is variability in a groundwater source
To help determine if there is a problem with the construction components of the water source

Determining the sampling objectives will help determine the number of samples required, and the location and type of the samples needed. Some reasons for sampling are: for the purpose of long-term monitoring of your water quality; to determine whether the water quality is generally good or bad for your intended use; to identify specific areas of concern such as points of suspected contamination; or to determine if a particular problem has been corrected.

Other Documents in the Series

Water Quality Testing
Water Quality Testing: Agricultural Water
Water Quality Testing: Drinking Water
Water Quality Testing: How Do I Go About Getting My Water Tested?
Water Quality Testing: What Do the Test Results Mean?
Water Quality Testing: Common Water Quality Terms/Parameters
Water Sampling - Current Document
Water Sampling: Methods Based on Source
Water Sampling: Field Equipment and Techniques
Water Sampling: Shipping of Samples

For more information about the content of this document, contact Shawn Elgert.
This information published to the web on November 10, 2006.
Last Reviewed/Revised on January 21, 2019.