A state environmental agency contracted with Antea Group to execute on the collection of drinking water compliance samples from Public Water Systems (PWSs). Program objectives included the development of an efficient and standardized sample collection program to assist the agency to monitor for chemical contaminants across more than 6,500 public water systems.
Solution
Antea Group developed a comprehensive sample collection program that includes training, management and oversight of samplers, procurement and calibration of field equipment, maintenance and quality assurance of sampling supplies, logistical coordination of sample delivery to laboratories, chain-of-custody documentation and monthly invoicing and reporting.
Through the implementation of this program, Antea Group performs routine, priority and emergency drinking water sampling and data management services that provide the client with detailed information on PWS compliance with the United States Safe Drinking Water Act.
To ensure compliance with sample collection and preservation protocols, while maintaining an efficient use of resources, Antea Group utilizes standard operating procedures and detailed quality control and quality assurance methods to guarantee that samples had been properly collected, preserved and that all critical compliance data was transmitted to the client promptly and accurately.
Result
Over the course of program operation, Antea Group has collected up to 55,000 high-quality drinking water samples annually that provide the client with verifiable and legally defensible data. Value-added process improvements have included the implementation of ruggedized field tablets for the input of all sample collection data, systematic electronic data transfer to the program office and both laboratories, and daily QA/QC of transmitted data to minimize the submittal of inaccurate data. These technologies have enabled the client to maximize their efforts and maintain legal compliance while saving taxpayer dollars.
