This sampling guide, produced by the New England Water Works Association in collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), describes procedures and protocols for implementing site characterization activities in the event of a drinking water contamination threat or incident. It is intended as a planning resource for those involved in the sample collection portion of site characterization.
While this guide was designed for drinking water suppliers, it may also be useful for other first responders such as:
police and fire departments
HazMat responders
law enforcement (e.g., FBI and EPA criminal investigators)
civil support teams
environmental response teams from EPA or other government agencies
For large water systems or those water suppliers and/or organizations/responders with expertise and resources in place to fully respond to water supply incidents, you can find more detailed information and response measures guidance in U.S. EPA's "Sampling Guidance for Unknown Contaminants in Drinking Water," by clicking here.
