In Reply Refer To: September 28, 1982 EGS-Mail Stop 412 QUALITY OF WATER BRANCH TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM NO. 82.18 Subject: PROGRAMS AND PLANS--National Water-Quality Networks; FY 1983 Protocol for the National Stream-Quality Accounting Network (NASQAN) and the Hydrologic Bench-Mark Network (HBMN) in fiscal year (FY) 1983 are outlined in this memorandum. Changes in parameter coverage, sampling frequency, and sampling sites resulted from continued funding constraints and consideration of the following efforts and reports: 1. Recent trend analysis results of NASQAN and HBMN water-quality data; 2. Recommendations of the Ad Hoc Evaluation Committee convened to evaluate the Hydrologic Bench-Mark Network; 3. Recommendations of the Ad Hoc Committee convened to evaluate the NASQAN program; 4. Recommendations of the Organic Chemistry Task Group; 5. Recommendations of the Sediment Chemistry Workshop; 6. Evaluation of historical NASQAN Pesticide Subnetwork data by the Systems Analysis Group; 7. Assessment of the number and location of NASQAN sampling sites relative to the coverage of major drainage basins within each Accounting Unit. 8. Development and testing of a low-cost analytical procedure to determine sulfate concentrations down to 0.~ mg/L. The major changes applicable to both NASQAN and HBMN for FY 1983 are the following: 1. No bottom-material or water-phase samples are to be collected for pesticide analysis for either the NASQAN Pesticide Subnetwork or the Hydrologic Bench-Mark Network. Considerable effort is underway, however, to assess the past program and develop a comprehensive information document concerning the production, use, analysis, and environmental behavior of agricultural and nonagricultural hazardous organic substances, in order to propose a more flexible and meaningful monitoring program for these substances. 2. Total and total recoverable trace inorganic substances will not be analyzed; dissolved trace inorganic substances will, however, continue to be analyzed. 3. The parameter coverage of NASQAN and HBMN will be the same. 4. The site sampling frequency has been changed at many sites. Sites will be sampled on either a quarterly or bimonthly basis. The table below indicates the time periods for sample collection for both frequencies: QUARTERLY SITES BIMONTHLY SITES first sample OCTOBER-NOVEMBER-DECEMBER OCTOBER-MOVEMBER second sample JANUARY-FEBRUARY-MARCH DECEMBER-JANUARY third sample APRIL-MAY-JUNE FEBRUARY-MARCH fourth sample JULY-AUGUST-SEPTEMBER APRIL-MAY fifth sample --------------------- JUNE-JULY sixth sample --------------------- AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 5. Use of the inductively-coupled plasma (ICP) procedure for the analysis of selected dissolved common and trace inorganic constituents will be utilized to decrease analytical costs. The procedure (schedule 176) will be used only for those constituents for which the ICP detection limit is at least as good as the atomicabsorption procedure. An exception is made for dissolved cobalt, which has a detection limit of 3 ug/L for the ICP procedure and 1 ug/L for the present atomic- absorption procedure. The ICP procedure is not to be used whenever the specific conductance is greater than 2,000 umhos because the detection limits become greater. Schedule 177 will be used at sites for quarterly NASQAN samples and semiannual HBMN samples whenever the specific conductance is greater than 2,000 umhos. The WATSTORE codes for the schedules 176 and 177 are the same; however, the analytical procedures and, therefore, the lab codes are different for selected constituents. Ninety (90) NASQAN sites and 1 HBMN site have been identified as sites where samples may possibly have specific conductance values greater than 2,000 umhos (see Appendix A). Because of the uncertainty involved in predicting the number of samples that will exceed 2,000 umhos, both schedules 176 and 177 are authorized for four uses at the 90 NASQAN sites, and for two uses at the 1 HBMN site. It is to be clearly understood, however, that the actual number of usages authorized between schedules 176 and 177 is four, not eight, for NASQAN, and two, not four, for HBMN 6. Dissolved sulfate concentrations will be reported down to 0.5 mg/L. 7. The barometric pressure, in mm of mercury, (WATSTORE code 00025) is to be measured in the field at the time of dissolved-oxygen measurement, and entered into WATSTORE. This measurement is being added so that the percent dissolved- oxygen saturation can be computed upon retrieval from WATSTORE. Trend analysis of percent saturation of dissolved oxygen is preferred to dissolved-oxygen concentration because it eliminates the variable effects of temperature, barometric pressure, and dissolved solids, when comparing values over time or among stations. The barometric pressure must be measured with a barometer. Use of Thommen model 2000 barometer is recommended, although an equivalent instrument is permitted. The Thommen model 2000 barometer is available from the Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF) in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, at a cost of $160.00. Districts should contact HIF directly to order the necessary number of barometers. Districts with insufficient funds to purchase barometers should write to the National Water-Quality Networks Coordinator by November 5, 1982. The contents of this memorandum should be read and understood by all personnel responsible for collecting samples for NASQAN or HBMN. Most problems associated with data collection for these networks result when involved personnel are not adequately informed of changes in sample collection, processing procedures, and other aspects of networks operations. District personnel should be aware of the following policies and procedures applicable to both NASQAN and HBMN. 1. Twenty four (24) hour diel measurements of water temperature, pH, SC, and dissolved oxygen are no longer required; 2. Suspended-sediment samples for analysis of concentration and % finer than 0.062 mm should be collected at the same time as other water-quality samples are collected; 3. Samples to be analyzed for inorganic constituents should be collected using the same sampling equipment and techniques as those used for the collection of suspended-sediment samples, i.e., Equal Width Increment (EWI) procedure or Equal Discharge Increment (EDI) procedure, depth-integrating samplers, etc. 4. Cross-section surveys of water temperature, pH, specific conductance, and dissolved oxygen should be done at the sampling location during various seasons and surface-water discharges to document the general cross-sectional variation of water quality. Such information aids in the determination of how many samples in the cross-section are necessary to ensure a representative composite sample. Cross-section surveys of suspended-sediment concentration should also be done to document variations. 5. Districts are reminded that samples (excluding suspended sediment samples) are to be sent to U.S. Geological Survey Central Laboratories with appropriate unique numbers. Documentation and the necessary JCL to retrieve unique numbers are given in Quality of Water Branch Technical Memorandum 79.15. New unique numbers are established at the beginning of each fiscal year and are to be used until September 30 of each fiscal year. Personnel collecting national-network samples should keep a current listing of the unique numbers in their field folder. 6. Any national-network sample processed by either central laboratory without a unique number will result in the analytical costs being billed to the default District account instead of the appropriate nationalnetwork account. Correcting such billing errors after they occur requires a memorandum to the Coordinator, National Water-Quality Networks. It is to the benefit of each District, therefore, to be sure that the proper unique numbers are being used, and to periodically make retrievals of the unique numbers. 7. Although the unique number, date, and time are all that are required on the Analytical Services Request Form (new name and format for old Log-Inventory Form to be used with new Water-Quality File in WATSTORE), other information such as station name, special sampling conditions, national- network program (NASQAN, Bench-Mark), etc., are helpful both to central laboratory personnel and District personnel processing the analytical results. 8. The District Water-Quality Specialist has the ultimate authority and responsibility to request schedule 176 versus schedule 177. Because use of schedule 176 versus 177 is dependent solely upon the specific conductance of the sample, District Water-Quality Specialists should ensure that all field personnel are aware that: (l) a field specific conductance is absolutely necessary whenever schedule 176 or 177 is to be utilized; and (2) the specific conductance of the sample should be determined with a meter that has been properly calibrated. 9. Districts are encouraged, but not required, to coordinate sampling trips with other District activities, especially stream gaging trips, to minimize field costs. A fixed- sampling time within each time period should, however, be the goal where feasible so that the original concept of a fixed- station, fixed-sampling interval monitoring network is maintained, and to the degree possible, random samples are collected. Exceptions to this rule can be made when conditions permit samples to be collected at high- or low-flow conditions at sites where the number of samples at streamflow extremes is limited. NASQAN NASQAN stations to be operated during FY 1983 are listed in Appendix A. Seven NASQAN stations will be discontinued: 01088400 Merrimack River at Concord, NH, 02244450 St. Johns River at Palatka, FL, 08361000 Rio Grande below Elephant Butte Dam, NM, 10249900 Chiatovich Creek near Dyer, NV, 10261500 Mojave River at Low Narrows near Victorville, CA, 16865000 Pago River near Ordot, Guam, 50071000 Rio Fajardo near Fajardo, PR. Five stations will be added to the NASQAN program effective October 1, 1982: 02236000 St. Johns River near Deland, FL, 02240000 Oklawaha River near Conner, FL, 02343801 Chattahoochee River at Andrew Lock and Dam near Columbus, GA 02353000 Flint River at Newton, GA, 06109500 Missouri River at Fort Benton, MT. With the implementation of these changes, the following Accounting Units will not be represented in the NASQAN program: 040602 103002 150501 150803 180902 200300 200900 080701 121102 150503 160203 181001 200400 210200 080903 140402 150802 160600 190200 200800 210300 If a District feels that any of these Accounting Units should be included in the NASQAN program it should submit a detailed memorandum describing the proposed sampling site, basin characteristics, etc., to the National Networks Coordinator (with a copy to the Regional Hydrologist's office) justifying its recommendation. Selected changes of NASQAN parameters are implemented in FY 1983. NASQAN nutrients (schedule 86) and NASQAN common ions and physical properties (schedule 1904) are unchanged. NASQAN quarterly laboratory determinations of physical properties and inorganic constituents, previously schedule 337, will now be performed under schedules 176 and 177. NASQAN Sampling Schedule for FY 1983 There will be 232 NASQAN sites sampled quarterly, and 269 NASQAN sites sampled bimonthly (see Appendix A). NASQAN Sampling Schedule (Quarterly Sites) 4 per year - Field measurements; Instantaneous discharge Specific conductance Water temperature, !C Barometric pressure pH Dissolved oxygen Fecal coliform bacteria Fecal streptococcal bacteria 4 per year - Suspended sediment; concentration % finer than 0.062 mm 4 per year - Nutrients, lab schedule 86 4 per year - Physical properties, common and trace dissolved inorganic constituents: lab schedule 176 (SC < 2,000 ~mhos) lab schedule 177 (SC > 2,000 ~mhos) Cross-section surveys of temperature, pH, SC, dissolved oxygen, and suspended sediment as needed. NASQAN Sampling Schedule (Bimonthly Sites) 6 per year - Field measurements (same as quarterly) 6 per year - Suspended sediment (same as quarterly) 6 per year - Nutrients, lab schedule 86 4 per year - Physical properties, common and trace dissolved inorganic constituents: lab schedule 176 (SC < 2,000 ~mhos) lab schedule 177 (SC > 2,000 ~mhos) 2 per year - Physical properties and common dissolved inorganic constituents: lab schedule 1904 (not used when quarterly samples are collected) Cross-section surveys of temperature, pH, SC, dissolved oxygen, and suspended sediment as needed. NASQAN RADIOCHEMICAL SUBNETWORK Radiochemical subnetwork stations for FY 1983 are listed in Appendix A. No changes have been made in the subnetwork. Samples should be collected at high- and low-flow periods as before. 2 per year - Radiochemicals, lab schedule 1703 NASQAN PESTICIDE SUENETWORK The NASQAN Pesticide Subnetwork has been dropped for FY 1983 because of funding constraints, the identified need to evaluate the quality of the data collected to date, and consideration of implementing an upgraded program of monitoring hazardous organic substances. No water-phase or bottom-sediment samples should be collected for analysis of pesticide concentration. Districts should keep the metal drums used to ship pesticide samples in the past, in the event that they will be used in any new network. HYDROLOGIC BENCH-MARK NETWORK Hydrologic Bench-Mark Network sites with water-quality sampling are listed in Appendix A. No sites have been added to or dropped from the network. Forty-three (43) HBMN sites will be sampled quarterly and 9 HBMN sites will be sampled bimonthly. All HBMN sites will be analyzed for the same properties and constituents. Previously, unlike monthly or bimonthly samples, quarterly HBMN sites were not sampled and analyzed for pesticides, radiochemicals, or trace inorganic constituents. Selected changes of HBMN parameters are implemented in FY 1983. HBMN nutrients will be analyzed using schedule 86 (schedules 104 and 686 were used in FY 1982). HBMN physical properties and common ions will be analyzed using schedule 1904 (schedule 1923 was used in FY 1982). HBMN semiannual analysis of physical properties and common and trace inorganic constituents will utilize schedule 176 or 177 (schedule 1924 was used in FY 1982). HBMN annual analysis of radiochemicals will utilize schedule 1703, which is unchanged from FY 1982. As with the NASQAN program, barometric pressure will be required as a field measurement in FY 1983. The SC is likely to exceed 2,000 ~mhos at only one HBMN site (Bear Den Creek at Mandaree, ND). Therefore, this site may require schedule 177 for analysis of semiannual dissolved common and trace inorganic constituents. All other sites will require use of schedule 176 for analysis of these constituents. HYDROLOGIC BENCH-MARK SAMPLING SCHEDULE (Quarterly Sites) 4 per year - Field Measurements; Instantaneous discharge Specific conductance Water temperature, !C Barometric pressure pH Dissolved oxygen Fecal coliform bacteria Fecal streptococcal bacteria 4 per year - Suspended sediment; concentration % finer than 0.062 mm 4 per year - Nutrients, lab schedule 86 2 per year - Physical properties, common and trace dissolved inorganic constituents: lab schedule 176 (SC < 2,000 ~mhos) lab schedule 177 (SC ~ 2,000 ~mhos) 2 per year - Physical properties and common dissolved inorganic constituents: lab schedule 1904 (not used when schedule 176 or 177 are used). 1 per year - Radiochemicals, lab schedule 1703 Cross-section surveys of temperature, pH, SC, dissolved oxygen, and suspended sediment as needed. HYDROLOGIC BENCH-MARK SAMPLING SCHEDULE (Bimonthly Sites) 6 per year - Field measurements (same as quarterly sites) 6 per year - Suspended sediment (same as quarterly sites) 6 per year - Nutrients, lab schedule 86 2 per year - Physical properties, common and trace dissolved inorganic constituents: lab schedule 176 (SC < 2,000 ~mhos) lab schedule 177 (SC > 2,000 ~mhos) 4 per year - Physical properties and common dissolved inorganic constituents: lab schedule 1904 (not used when schedule 176 or 177 are used). 1 per year - Radiochemicals, lab schedule 1703 Cross-section surveys of temperature, pH, SC, dissolved oxygen, and suspended sediment as needed. There are numerous Central Laboratory schedules no longer required by either NASQAN or HBMN that will tentatively be deleted. The schedules are identified with a user code of either 'BM' or 'NQ', and are the following: USER CODE = BM USER CODE = NQ 104 5 106 687 1903 686 15 335 1023 1909 1474 52 337 1044 1910 1923 91 430 1325 1924 99 450 1901 District or research personnel who require use of any of these schedules should notify the National Water-Quality Networks Coordinator, in writing, by November 19. Personnel who request that the indicated schedules not be deleted must supply a proper user code; if this is done, the schedule will be kept, but the user code will be changed to the new user code. For the purpose of distribution of this memorandum, District offices will receive only that portion of Appendix A that pertains to its respective District. All others on the distribution list will receive a complete copy of Appendix A. To obtain a complete printout of Appendix A, enter the following statement on the Amdahl TSO system: printoff ('vg4082m.fyl983.natqw.data') dest(rxxx) where xxx equals the remote terminal to which the printout is to be routed. This data set will be available for retrieval throughout FY 1983. District and Subdistrict Chiefs are requested to ensure that all personnel in their various offices (especially field offices) responsible for collecting water-quality samples for NASQAN and HBMN receive a copy of and read and understand the contents on this memorandum. Should there be any questions concerning the operation of these networks, please contact Jim Schornick or Mike Yurewicz of my staff. R. J. Pickering Attachments: Appendixes A. NASQAN and Hydrologic Bench-Mark Network FY 1983 sampling frequencies for both sites and analytical schedules. B. Analytical schedules for NASQAN and Hydrologic Bench-Mark Network sites. Key Words: water quality, networks, project activities, sampling, NASQAN, Bench-Mark, FY 1983 This memorandum does not supersede any previous memorandum. WRD Distribution: A, S, FO, PO