[NASQAN, National Stream Quality Accounting Network; HBN, Hydrologic Benchmark Network; NWQSS, National Water Quality Surveillance System, NWIS, National Water Information System; WATSTORE, National Water Data Storage and Retrieval System. The memoranda are organized chronologically from the most recent to the earliest date for six topical areas, and are identified by the originating office and a unique number QWyy_nn (Office of Water Quality) or NLyy_nn (National Water Quality Laboratory), where yy gives the year of the document and nn is a sequential number of the year's memoranda. The text for the memoranda are presented on the CD-ROMs in separate ASCII files identified by the name QWyy_nn.TXT or NLyy_nn.TXT]
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Memorandum Date Contents
Number
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National network implementation memoranda
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QW96_02 12-04-95 National Hydrologic Benchmark Network: Fiscal Year
1996-October 1, 1995 to September 30, 1996.
Outlines program status and protocol for operation of
HBN for FY 1996.
QW95_01 10-28-94 National Water-Quality Networks: Fiscal Year
1995-October 1, 1994 to September 30, 1995.
Outlines Program status and protocol for operation
of NASQAN and HBN for FY 1995.
QW93_14 09-21-93 National Water-Quality Networks: Fiscal Year
1994-October 1, 1993 to September 30, 1994.
Outlines program status and protocol for
operation of NASQAN and HBN for FY 1994.
QW93_01 10-05-92 National Water-Quality Networks: Fiscal Year
1993-October 1, 1992 to September 30, 1993.
Outlines program status and protocol for
operation of NASQAN and HBN for FY 1993.
QW91_11 09-30-91 National Water-Quality Networks: Fiscal Year
1992-October 1, 1991 to September 30, 1992.
Program status and protocol for NASQAN and
HBN for FY 1992 are outlined. Personnel
responsible for collecting NASQAN and HBN
samples should read this memo.
QW90_13 09-27-90 National Water-Quality Networks: Fiscal Year
1991-October 1, 1990 to September 30, 1991.
Program status and protocol for operation
of the National Stream Quality Accounting
Network (NASQAN) and the Hydrologic Benchmark
Network (HBN) for FY 1991 are outlined.
Personnel responsible for collecting NASQAN
or HBN samples should read this memorandum.
QW90_02 10-04-89 National Water-Quality Networks: Fiscal Year
1990-October 1, 1989 to September 30, 1990.
Program status and protocol for operation of the
National Stream Quality Accounting Network (NASQAN)
and the Hydrologic Benchmark Network (HBN) for FY
1990 are outlined. Personnel responsible for collecting
NASQAN or HBN samples should read this memorandum.
QW88_10 09-26-88 National Water-Quality Networks: Fiscal Year 1989-
October 1, 1988 to September 30, 1989.
Program status and protocol for operation of the National
Stream Quality Accounting Network (NASQAN) and the
Hydrologic Benchmark Network (HBN) are outlined.
QW88_01 10-09-87 National Water-Quality Networks: Fiscal Year 1988-
October 1, 1987 to September 30, 1988.
This memorandum contains an outline of Program status and
protocol for operation of the National Stream Quality
Accounting Network (NASQAN) and the Hydrologic Benchmark
Network (HBN) for FY 1988.
QW86_10 09-30-86 National Water-Quality Networks: Fiscal Year 1987-
October 1, 1986, to September 30, 1987.
Program status and protocol for operation of the National
Stream Quality Accounting Network (NASQAN) and the
Hydrologic Benchmark Network (HBN) in FY 1987
are outlined in this memorandum.
QW86_01 03-10-86 Revisions to Field Operations for NASQAN and the HBN
for FY 1986.
Due to a slight budget reduction, listed are moderate
changes in field and project operations for the NASQAN
and HBN networks in FY 1986.
QW85_19 09-18-85 National Water-Quality Networks: Fiscal Year 1986-
October 1, 1985, to September 30, 1986.
Program status and protocol for operation of the National
Stream Quality Accounting Network (NASQAN) and the
Hydrologic Benchmark Network (HBN) in FY 1986
are outlined in this memorandum.
QW84_16 09-13-84 National Water-Quality Networks; Fiscal Year 1985-
October 1, 1984 to September 30, 1985.
Program status and protocol for operation of
NASQAN and HBN in FY 1985 are outlined.
QW83_18 10-03-83 National Water-Quality Networks; FY 1984-
October 1, 1983 to September 30, 1984.
Program status and protocol for operation of
NASQAN and HBN in FY 1984 are outlined.
QW82_18 09-28-82 National Water-Quality Networks; FY 1983.
Protocol for NASQAN and HBN in FY 1983 are
outlined.
QW82_03 11-27-81 National Water-Quality Networks; FY 1982.
Protocol for NASQAN and HBN in FY 1982
are outlined.
QW81_01 10-02-80 National Water Quality Networks; FY 1981.
Protocol for NWQSS program and changes in
NASQAN and HBN in FY 1981 are outlined.
QW80_01 10-18-79 National Water-Quality Networks: Modification
to NWQSS, NASQAN, and HBN programs and
subsequent modifications to the assigned
unique numbers.
Important changes to the programs are discussed.
QW77_11 09-15-77 Data Networks: HBN and NASQAN:
water-quality program components, FY 1978.
New laboratory schedule numbers have been
established for NASQAN and HBN.
QW74_11 02-28-74 Data Networks, NASQAN.
General field instructions for the national
stream-quality accounting network for FY 1974.
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Biological methods
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QW91_FS 04-15-91 Results of analysis of fecal streptococcal bacteria
data collected using 0.45- and 0.7-micrometer pore-size
filters. (correspondance from national network's
coordinator to District and Regional water-quality
specialists) Also includes a re-analysis of the
the raw data.
QW77_12 09-15-77 Phytoplankton sampling for NASQAN.
Data-collection plans for NASQAN have been
revised to take advantage of the opportunity
for increased efficiency of operation
suggested by results described herein.
QW76_25T 09-01-76 Analytical methods--microbiological (fecal bacteria).
Describes changes in fecal coliform and fecal
streptococci bacteria methods effective
October 1, 1976.
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Nutrient methods
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QW94_16 08-05-94 New Preservation Techniques for Nutrient Samples.
Beginning October 1, 1994, the Water Resources
Division of the USGS will preserve ambient water
samples to be analyzed for nutrients by chilling
only, with mailing to the National Water Quality
Laboratory within 3 days.
QW93_04 12-02-92 Discontinuation of the National Water Quality
Laboratory determinations for "total" nitrite,
"total" nitrite plus nitrate, "total" ammonia,
and "total" orthophosphate (using the four-
channel analyzer).
Effective immediately, project personnel are to
discontinue requests for the listed determinations.
QW92_10 07-13-92 Phosphorus Methods and the Quality of Phosphorus
Data.
Describes two changes implemented at the National
Water Quality Laboratory for the analysis of phosphorus
and the history of total phosphorus analytical
methods since 1973.
QW92_08 03-27-92 Nutrient Sample Size Reduction.
Notification that the USGS National Water Quality
Laboratory will begin replacing 250 milliliter brown
nutrient bottles and 1 milliliter mercuric chloride
ampoules with 125 milliliter brown nutrient bottles
and 0.5 milliliter mercuric chloride ampoules for the
purpose of reducing the amount of mercuric chloride
that is being used in the field and that must be
disposed of by the laboratory.
QW86_06 06-16-86 Reporting Nutrient Data.
The minimum reporting level for the total Kjeldahl
nitrogen analysis, nitrogen, dissolved, ammonia plus
organic (mg/L as N) is 0.2 mg/L.
QW86_02 04-21-86 Evaluation of Central Laboratories Nutrient Data.
Nutrient data from the Atlanta and Denver Central
Laboratories was evaluated, and a special nutrient
analysis study was conducted to determine whether
WATSTORE files contain inaccurate nutrient analysis
data and what corrective action might be taken. The
evaluations prompted reconsideration of the reporting
level for ammonia and total Kjeldahl nitrogen analysis.
QW85_07 01-23-85 Preservation of Nutrient Samples for Nutrient Analysis--
An Update on Two Issues.
An attached memorandum describes the results of tests
conducted in the Denver Central Laboratory for
effectiveness of five popular preservation treatments over
a 16-day period. The combination of the HgCL2/NaCl tablet
with chilling at 4o C is the best of the treatments tested
to date. A second memorandum describes studies conducted
to determine the levels of NH3-N contamination in samples
stored at the Central Laboratories.
QW80_26 09-19-80 Preservation of nutrient samples by addition of mercuric
chloride. Rationale for using mercuric chloride and
chilling for sample preservation is summarized.
QW72_09 01-05-72 Preservation of water samples for chemical analysis.
All Water Resources Division offices should stop using
mercuric chloride as a preservative for water samples.
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Trace element methods
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QW94_10 02-15-94 Sample Collection, Analytical Methods, and Data
Interpretation for Mercury Analyses.
Informs Division personnel that determinations
of aqueous mercury should be carefully evaluated
prior to interpretation and publication.
QW94_09 01-28-94 Revision of New Division Protocol for Collecting
and Processing Surface-Water Samples for Low-Level
Inorganic Analyses.
The implementation date is February 1, 1994.
QW94_05 12-23-93 New Division Protocol for Collecting and
Processing Surface-Water Samples for Low-Level
Inorganic Analyses (Superseded by QW94_09).
The implementation date for the protocol is
January 1, 1994.
QW93_11 07-15-93 Implementation of the Protocol for Collecting and
Processing Surface-Water Samples for Low-Level
Inorganic Analyses.
This memo announces the implementation date for
the protocol and addresses issues of concern to
WRD personnel.
QW93_06 02-19-93 Trace-Element Contamination--Findings of Study
on the Cleaning of Sampler Caps, Nozzles,
Bottles, and Bags for Trace-Element Work at
the Part-Per-Billion Level.
Describes the major findings of the study.
QW93_05 01-21-93 Evaluation of Capsule Filters.
Evaluation of trace-element and nutrient
contamination associated with capsule filters.
QW93_03 10-29-92 Dissolved Trace-Element Data.
Are dissolved trace elements lost during filtration
and storage in a part-per-trillion protocol?
QW92_13 07-17-92 Trace Element Contamination: Findings of
Studies on the Cleaning of Membrane Filters
and Filtration Systems.
Provides background for decisions the Office of
Water Quality is making to provide a supportable
parts-per-billion protocol for dissolved trace elements.
QW92_12 07-17-92 Trace Element Concentrations in Deionized
Water Processed Through Selected Surface-
Water Samplers: Study Results and Implications.
The Office of Water Quality is conducting a
series of studies to identify equipment, supplies,
and cleaning procedures suitable for a part-per-
billion protocol for dissolved trace elements.
QW92_05 03-20-92 Quality of Existing Dissolved Trace-Element Data.
Discribes how a number of dissolved trace
elements reported in the Water Resources
Division data base include contamination, and
how the Division can deal with issues of
uncertainty in the validity and usefulness of
existing dissolved trace-element data.
QW91_10 09-30-91 Dissolved Trace Element Data.
Distributes report "Contamination of Dissolved
Trace-Element Data: Present Understanding,
Ramifications, and Issues that Require
Resolution"
QW81_12 05-12-81 Trace Metals; Questionable Values for
Dissolved and Total Selenium.
Discusses anomalously high values of
selenium in streams in the Southeast.
QW79_12 04-11-79 Questionable analytical values for lead and
cadmium.
Lead and cadmium concentrations reported for
samples collected from April 1978 to February
1979 are questionable because of a contamination
problem with the nitric acid ampoules supplied
by the Central Laboratories.
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Alkalinity methods
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QW88_05 10-01-88 National Water Information System (NWIS)-
Global Updates to Water-Quality File.
(DRAFT) Background information and detailed specifications
for global updates to alkalinity, and carbonate species
data in the NWIS Water-Quality File are provided.
QW87_01 11-14-86 Changes to Parameter Codes for Alkalinity and the
Carbonate Species.
Alkalinity and carbonate species parameter codes are being
consolidated by implementing the new Method Code System
for these constituents. The Method Code System combines
the use of a single alphanumeric character with the five
digit parameter code to produce a combination code which
identifies both the constituent being analyzed and the
analytical methodology used to determine its value.
QW82_05 12-11-81 Provisional Method for Carbonate, Dissolved;
Bicarbonate, Dissolved; and Carbonate Alkalinity,
Dissolved; Electrometric Tritration,
Incremental, Field.
Describes a provisional method for incremental
field tritrations.
QW81_04 11-12-80 Assignment of parameter codes for pH, alkalinity,
specific conductance and hydroxide/carbonate/
bicarbonate data.
Field specific conductance and field alkalinity
will be recorded in WATSTORE under parameter codes
00095 and 00410. Lab values will be recorded
under 90095 and 90410.
QW80_27 09-19-80 New Parameter Codes for pH, Alkalinity,
Specific Conductance, and Carbonate/Bicarbonate.
Field and lab values for subject constituents
will be entered into WATSTORE under separate
parameter codes, with a more careful
distinction made of methods used.
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Miscellaneous processing, analytical, and reporting methods
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QW94_13 04-21-94 Evaluation of the Churn Splitter for Inclusion
in the Division Protocol for the Collection and
Processing of Surface-Water Samples for
Subsequent Determination of Trace Elements,
Nutrients, and Major Ions in Filtered Water.
This memo provides the justifying data and
certifies the churn splitter for use with the
new inorganic protocol (see QW 94_09).
NL94_03 12-22-93 Change in method for determining chloride, sulfate,
and fluoride.
NL93_03 12-28-92 Change in method for determination of chloride in
water due to data quality problems.
QW90_04 12-28-89 Turbidimetric Sulfate Method.
A positive bias in the turbidimetric method
for sulfate analysis discovered by the National
Water-Quality Laboratory in early March 1989 is
discussed. The Office of Water Quality and the
Branch of Quality Assurance are determining what
adjustments can or should be made to the affected
sulfate data.
QW81_22 09-08-81 WATSTORE, Remark Coded Data.
Defines the 'less than' and ND remarks, reviews
implications of remark codes, outlines options.
QW81_18 06-29-81 Data Handling, corrections to the WATSTORE
Water-Quality File.
Discusses action as a result of a memo dated
April 24, 1981, same subject.
QW77_04 02-07-77 Filtering of water samples.
A new method for filtering water samples
utilizes a backflushing plate filter which
provides a 94% larger filtering area than the
102 millimeter filter used in most barrel filters.
QW77_02 12-28-76 Analytical methods for organic carbon.
Describes procedures to insure that organic
carbon data in the water quality file are
as nearly correct as possible.
QW76_24T 08-16-76 Sample Splitter for Water-Sediment Samples--
Introduction of new sample splitter ("churn" splitter)
for use in the NASQAN program.
QW73_07 10-26-72 Teflon sediment sample splitters and plastic sieves.
Method of splitting samples in the field recommended
for use for NASQAN program.
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revised 01/15/97