Waste & Wastewater Sampling

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Wastewater sampling studies focus primarily on collecting wastewater samples of the influent or effluent at domestic and non-domestic facilities. Sampling activities are usually conducted for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) compliance, compliance assistance, civil and criminal investigations, and water quality studies. Collection of wastewater samples is necessary in order to obtain reliable data that can support compliance or enforcement activities. 

The main considerations in developing a wastewater sampling strategy are: 

• Type of study (Compliance Sampling Inspection (CSI), Diagnostic Evaluation (DE), etc.). 
• Regulated or target pollutants in the wastewater stream to be sampled. 
• Selection of the projected sampling locations to satisfy the study objectives.
• Quality control criteria of the parameters to be sampled (oil and grease samples need to be collected as grab samples, trip blanks are taken into the field for the collection of samples for volatile organic compound analyses, etc...).  

All sample collection and preservation procedures will comply with the requirements outlined in 40 CFR, Part 136.3 (e), Table II, and Figure 3-1 of the US EPA Region 4 Analytical Support Branch Laboratory Operations and Quality Assurance Manual (ASB LOQAM), Most Recent Version.

Wastewater samples will typically be collected either by directly filling the sample container or by using an automatic sampler or other device. 

PFAS is the acronym for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Newly recognized as a contaminants of concern, PFAS compounds have been identified in groundwater and surface water in several locations across Michigan. If you have questions about PFAS, PFOA, PFOS or related compounds, H2O Investigation is glad to help.   

Costs for waste and wastewater sampling varies and is based on the volume of samples needed, location of the sites, the method of sampling required.

H2O Investigation prices includes all labor, mileage, equipment, ice, and supplies (field filters, bailers, if needed, are extra). When we are hired to do the sampling, the use of our report software for the site being sampled is included for free. Laboratory fees and shipping are not included.