QUALITY OF WATER BRANCH TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM NO. 74.11

	United States Department of the Interior 
		GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
	RESTON, VIRGINIA 22092 4351-6016


						February 28, 1974


QUALITY OF WATER BRANCH TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM NO. 74.11

Subject: PROGRAMS AND PLANS--Data Networks, National stream-
	 quality accounting network


The attached general field instructions for the national stream-
quality accounting network for FY 1974 become effective on receipt
of this memorandum.

The instructions include some minor changes that reflect the
present operational design of the network. The following parameter
code usages supersede those in the October 31, and November 1, 1973
memorandums from the Assistant Chief Hydrologist for Operations,
and are reflected in the attached set of instructions:

	1. 70342, suspended sediments, fall diameter, % finer than
	0.062 mm has been changed to 70331, suspended sediments,
	sieve diameter, % finer than 0.062 mm.


	2. The only parameter code to be used for pH is 00400--pH
	(standard units).

Any questions concerning the sampling instructions should be directed
to the Quality of Water Branch. Thank you for your cooperation.


					 R. J. Pickering

Attachment 

WRD Distribution: A, FO, PO, S



			General Field Instructions
		National Stream-Quality Accounting Network


				INTRODUCTION

The national stream-quality accounting network has been designed by
the U.S. Geological Survey to meet many of the information demands
of agencies or groups involved in planning and management on a
national or regional scale. These agencies include the Water Re-
sources Council, Council on Environmental Quality, Environmental
Protection Agency, and interstate or State-Federal units, such as
river-basin commissions or river-compact commissions.

The areal configuration of the network is based on river-basin
accounting units designated by the Office of Water Data Coordination
in consultation with the Water Resources Council. The primary
objectives of the accounting network are (1) to depict areal vari-
ability of water-quality conditions nationwide on a year-by-year basis
and (2) to detect and assess long-term changes in stream quality.
To the extent possible, in implementing the network, one or more
stations in each accounting unit will be selected so as to sample
a major part of the surface-water discharge from the unit.

Both accounting and broad-scale monitoring objectives have been
incorporated in the network design. Several statistical measures
and summary calculations will be made from collected records for
temperature, specific conductance, the major inorganic constituents,
and sediment. 

Organic and minor inorganic constituents, bacterial content, and
other biological parameters will be measured periodically to provide
information on their range, diversity, and variability. The ability
of the stream to support biological life will be assessed by periodic
observations of the lower forms of aquatic plants and animals.
Information obtained from the accounting network stations will provide
a broad base of water-quality data on streams throughout the Nation.




			CONSTITUENTS TO BE MONITORED

A wide range of physical, chemical, and biological constituents
ultimately will be monitored at most national stream-quality
accounting network stations. The following is a list of constitu-
ents, parameter codes, central laboratory codes, laboratory
schedule numbers, frequencies of collection, sample requirements,
and sample treatment procedures. The following list is applicable
to all stations in the network. Any variations from this list will
be on a station-by-station basis upon approval from the Quality
of Water Branch.


FIELD DETERMINATIONS

	Service Unit: District Field Service Unit

		Determination			Parameter Code 	Frequency

		water temperature		00010 		continuous or
								daily, monthly

		specific conductance		00095 		monthly

		pH				00400		monthly

		discharge (mean daily)		00060 		continuous

		discharge (instantaneous)	00061 		instantaneous

		coliform, fecal MF, M-Fc	31616 		monthly

		streptococci, fecal MF		31679		monthly
		  M-entero

	LABORATORY SCHEDULES

		Central Laboratory Schedule #8

		Service Laboratory: Albany, Atlanta, Salt Lake City

		Frequency: Monthly or Quarterly

			Determination		Parameter Code	 Lab Code

			bicarbonate			00440 		8

			carbonate			00445		14

			hardness, total as CaC03	00900		33

			hardness, non-carbonate		00902		32
		        			
			calcium, dissolved		00915 		12

			magnesium, dissolved		00925		40

			fluoride, dissolved		00950		31

			sodium, dissolved		00930		59

			potassium, dissolved		00935		54

			residue on evaporation		70300		27	
			  at 180 C

			dissolved solids-sum		70301

			silica, dissolved		00955		28

			turbidity,JTU			00070		56

			chloride			00940		15

			sulfate, dissolved		00945		63


				Schedule #8 requires:	2 - 8 oz. raw samples

							2 - 8 oz. filtered samples

							1 - 8 oz. filtered acidified
							          sample

		Central Laboratory Schedule #9

		Service Laboratory: Albany, Atlanta, Salt Lake City

		Frequency: Monthly

			Determination		Parameter Code		Lab Code

			phosphorus, total as P		00665		129

			nitrite plus nitrate,		00630		304		
			  total as N

			nitrogen, total			00625		84
			  Kjeldahl as N

				Schedule #9 requires: 1 liter raw chilled sample

		Central Laboratory Schedule #10

		Service Laboratory: Albany, Atlanta, Salt Lake City

		Frequency: Quarterly

			Determination		Parameter Code		Lab Code

			arsenic, dissolved		01000		6
	
			arsenic, total			01002		232

			cadmium, dissolved		01025		73

			cadmium, total			01027		242

			chromium, dissolved		01030		17

			chromium, total			01034		246

			cobalt, dissolved		01035		18

			cobalt, total			01037		248

			copper, dissolved		01040		22

			copper, total			01042		250

			iron, dissolved			01046		36

			iron, total			01045		37

			lead, dissolved			01049		38

			lead, total			01051		257

			manganese, dissolved		01056		42

			manganese, total		01055		41

			mercury, dissolved		71890		226

			mercury, total			71900		227

			selenium, dissolved		01145		87

			selenium, total			01147		286

			zinc, dissolved			01090		67

			zinc, total			01092		296

			organic carbon, total		00680		114


		Central Laboratory Schedule #10 requires:

		1 liter filtered acidified sample
	
		1 liter filtered sample

		1 liter raw sample

		2 8 oz. raw acidified sample

		1 50 ml glass TOC bottle, chilled samples



BIOLOGICAL DETERMINATIONS

	Schedule #309

	Service Laboratory - Atlanta

	Frequency - Monthly

			Determination		Parameter Code		Lab Code

			phytoplankton, total,	
			  cells/ml			60050		600


			phytoplankton, identification
			of 3 co-dominants		none		600

			phytoplankton, 3 co-dominants,
			  % of total			none		600

				Schedule #309 requires: 1 liter raw sample (add 30 ml
							preservative, see page 8).


	Schedule #310

	Service Laboratory - Atlanta

	Frequency - Quarterly
	
			Determination		Parameter Code		Lab Code

			periphyton, biomass, dry
			weight g/m2			none		603

			periphyton, biomass, ash
			weight, g/m2			none		603

			periphyton, chlorophyll a	none		603


			periphyton, chlorophyll b 	none		603

		See appendix for sampling and field treatment methods



SUSPENDED-SEDIMENT DETERMINATIONS

		Service Unit - District Sediment Laboratories

			Determination		Parameter Code		Lab Code

			suspended sediment mg/l		80154

			suspended sediments % finer	70331
			than .062 mm seive diameter

	To facilitate suspended-sediment analyses for districts without such
	capabilities, the Central Laboratories will perform the following
	analyses and enter the data into the WRD QW file.

			Determination		Parameter Code		Lab Code

			suspended sediment mg/l 	80154

			suspended sediment % finer
			than .062 mm seive diameter	 70331




					SAMPLING FREQUENCY

The specific sampling frequency for each constituent at each station has
been established by the Quality of Water Branch; however, frequencies may
be changed at some future time. Sampling frequency for a constituent
usually will fall into one of the following categories; daily or con-
tinuous, monthly, or quarterly. To summarize the frequencies given in
the lab schedules above, the general sampling frequency of the major groups
is as follows:

PHYSICAL

	Temperature and specific conductance--continuous or daily, monthly

	Discharge--continuous and instantaneous
	
	pH, turbidity, and suspended sediment--monthly

CHEMICAL

	Common inorganics--monthly or quarterly

	Nitrogen and phosphorous--monthly

	Minor elements--quarterly

	Carbon--quarterly

BIOLOGICAL

	Phytoplankton--monthly

	Periphyton--quarterly

	Bacteria--monthly

Remember, however, that variations from this schedule may be established
by the Quality of Water Branch




			FIELD TREATMENT OF SAMPLES

	Bottle Designation			Treatment Procedure

	Raw Sample - R		Collect a representative sample of water
				suspended sediment mixture and fill either
				an 8 oz or 1 liter polyethylene bottle.

	Raw Chilled Sample - Rc	Collect a representative sample of water
				suspended sediment mixture and fill either
				an 8 oz or 1 liter polyethylene bottle.
				Place in cooler on crushed ice and chill at
				4 C.
	
	Filtered - F		Collect and immediately filter the required
				volume of a representative sample through a
				0.45 micrometer membrane filter. Fill either
				an 8 oz or 1 liter plastic bottle with the
				filtered sample.

	Filtered Acidified - Fa	Collect and immediately filter tne required
				volume of a representative sample through a
				0.45 micrometer membrane filter and fill
				either an 8 oz or 1 liter acid rinsed poly
				ethylene bottle. Acidify with one ampoule of
				nitric acid (1.0 ml size ampoule for 8 oz
				bottle, 2.0 ml size ampoule for 1 liter bottle).
				Shake well.

	Raw Acidified - Ra	Collect a representative sample of water
				suspended sediment mixture and fill either an
				8 oz or 1 liter acid rinsed polyethylene bottle.
				Acidify with one ampoule of nitric acid (2.0 ml
				size ampoule for 1 liter bottle). Shake well.

	TOC Sample - TOC	Collect a representative sample of water 
				suspended sediment mixture and fill a specially
				cleaned 50 ml glass bottle. Place the bottle
				in a cooler on crushed ice and chill at 4¡C.

	Phytoplankton - Phyto	To a one-liter polyethylene bottle, add 700-1000 ml
				unfiltered water. Add 30 ml of 20% preservative as
				supplied by the Hydrobiological Section, Central
				Laboratory and shake gently. Properly identify
				and ship to Atlanta Central Laboratory.

In summary, samples collected under the national stream-quality accounting
network program will be submitted to the Central Laboratory location indicated
above. Laboratory analyses will be requested by laboratory schedules 8, 9,
10, 309, and 310. The following table shows the number of samples, size of
sample, and field treatment required under each schedule. See appendix for
treatment and sample handling for schedule 310, periphyton. Label each
sample bottle with the proper letter designator.



Table l--Summary of Samples Required for NASQAN Laboratory Schedules

	Central Lab Schedule		#8 		 #9		#10	#309
 
	Frequency		Monthly/Quarterly1/	Monthly	 Quarterly	Monthly

	Sample Designation and	R	F	FA	RC	R  Ra  F  Fa TOC PHYTO
	Field Treatment

	Number of Sample Bottles2	2	1	1	1   2  1  1    1  1

	Sample Bottle Size	8oz	8oz	8oz	1L	1L 8oz 1L 1L 50ml 1L

1/ Frequency established on a station by station basis.




SAMPLING TECHNIQUES

General


Proper sampling techniques must be used to insure that a sample is
representative of the flow in the stream cross-section. The most
complete discussions of sampling techniques are found in TWRI, Book 3,
Chapter C2, Field methods for measurement of fluvial sediment,
pp. 36-42 and in Report 14, Determination of fluvial sediment discharge,
Interagency Committee on Water Resources pp. 19-77. Every field man
should be thoroughly familiar with these references. Any sample that
is to be analyzed for constituents in the water-sediment mixture (total)
must be collected by using the sediment-sampling techniques described
in these references. This means that suspended-sediment samplers are
required for virtually all samples. The only instances where sediment-
samplers are not required are as follows:

1. When mean velocity in the cross-section generally is less than 1 foot
per second. Under this condition any suspended particulate matter
Sediment) will consist of either very small particles and/or organic
material that is distributed rather uniformly in the cross-section.
Therefore, open-mouth-bottle samplers generally can be used in
obtaining depth-integrated samples. Even in this case, the field man
must be aware of any variation in the quality of water in the cross-
section in order to determine how many verticals should be sampled
to obtain a representative sample of the flow in that cross-section.

2. Samples collected for the analysis of only dissolved constituents
may be obtained by using open-mouth-bottle samplers provided the
velocity of flow is not so high that the sampler cannot be lowered to
the streambed (depth integrated). The number of verticals sampled
depends on the variation in the chemical quality of the flow in the
cross-section. This can be determined only by periodically sampling
the cross-section. Generally, if there is little or no variation in
the specific conductance in the cross-section, a sample obtained at
any point on the cross-section may be assumed to be representative
of the total flow.

3. Collection techniques for bacterial analysis preclude the use of
suspended-sediment samplers. The techniques described in TWRI,
Book 5, Chap. A4, pp. 30-54, should be used.

In order to prevent contamination of chemical samples collected with
suspended-sediment samplers, two modifications of the samplers must
be made. Teflon nozzles and silicon-rubber gaskets must be used.
Samplers used only for the collection of samples to be analyzed for
suspended-sediment concentration and particle-size distribution need
not have these modifications.

Prior to using sediment samplers (as well as any other type of sampler),
the sampler must be thoroughly cleaned. It is recommended that the
sampler be cleansed with a modest amount of detergent and thoroughly
rinsed prior to the field trips. You are cautioned against the use
of excessive quantities of detergent in cleaning the sediment samplers
to avoid possible contamination in the nutrient determination.

The critical parts of the sampler requiring specific attention are
(1) the nozzle, (2) that part of the head underneath the gasket, and
(3) the entire center part of the sampler head that the sample may
contact. Every sampler should be cleaned in this manner immediately
preceeding each sampling trip. Upon arriving at the field site, and
prior to sampling, the empty sampler should be thoroughly rinsed in the
stream for a short period in order to wash away any contaminant. This
procedure should be followed at each new sampling site. Any sampler
used at a particularly 'Xdirty" site should be cleaned in the field with
a detergent solution before proceeding to another site. In other words,
thefield man should make certain that the sampler used at one site does
not contaminate the samples collected at any other site.

Number of verticals sampled

The number of verticals sampled at any site should relate to the
collection of a representative sample in the cross-section and not to the
volume of sample required by the laboratory. If a representative sample
can be obtained by sampling at one vertical then sample only at that
vertical. If flow conditions call for ETR sampling at 8-10 verticals,
then use the ETR method at 8-10 verticals.

Compositing and Subsampling

Because of the nature of the sampling method and the size of the sampler
container (l-pint sediment bottle), it will be necessary to composite
samples so as to insure a sample of sufficient quantity. Care should
be taken to see that all of the material in each of the sample bottles
is used in the composite. The composite container should be thoroughly
cleansed and rinsed at each sampling site. After compositing it will
be necessary to divide the sample into a number of subsamples for treat-
ment as required by the laboratory. The composite should be split using
the splitter described in Quality of Water Branch Technical Memorandum
No. 73.07 dated October 26, 1972. If a composite does not contain coarse
materials (greater than 0.062 mm), siphoning from a thoroughly agitated
sample is an acceptable method of subsampling. (Note: Research currently
is being conducted to determine a more efficient method of subsampling
in the field. Recommendation will be forthcoming).


Daily Sampling/Continuous Monitoring

In order to insure the collection of a representative sample, the
choice of proper probe placement for continuous monitoring or
sampling point for daily sampling is extremely important. Measure-
ments of water temperature and specific conductance in the cross-
section should be made prior to station establishment and should
be verified periodically by additional measurements. For continuous
monitoring, the two-parameter resistance-type monitor available from
the Reston Instrumentation Laboratory, or its equivalent, should be
used. Monitors should record at a maximum interval of one hour.
Where daily samples are to be collected, a reliable observer should
be hired and trained to sample the stream and measure water temperature
in a proper manner. The observer's measurements should be verified
periodically.

Phytoplankton

Phytoplankton samples are to be shipped to the FED Hydrobiological
Laboratory.

				U.S. Geological Survey, WRD
				Hydrobiological Section
				Atlanta Central Water-Quality Laboratory
				6481 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Suite H
				Doraville, Georgia 30340
				FTS 404-526-4806

Bacteriology

Sample collection, analysis, and reporting instructions are given -
in TWRI, Book 5, Chapter A4, pp. 3-54, "Methods for Collection and
Analysis of Aquatic Biological and Microbiological Samples." Media
kits should be purchased from the Hydrobiological Laboratory.

Periphyton

Artificial substrates are used to sample the periphyton population
at national stream-quality accounting network stations. This method
was selected to standardize procedures at all sampling sites and to
receive maximum information at minimal costs. See Appendix for field
instructions and sample handling procedures.



				FIELD ANALYSES

Daily Samples

If possible, specific conductance should be measured in the field
by the observer at the time of collection; however, conditions may
be such that this is impossible. If specific conductance is not
measured in the field on daily samples, it shall be done as soon
as practical after samples are received in the laboratory.

Monthly and Quarterly Samples

The following determinations shall be made in the field at the
time of sample collection:

				Discharge (measured or rated)
				Specific conductance
				Water temperature
				pH
				Coliform, fecal
				Streptococci, fecal

If a gage height record is not available for a station, an instan-
taneous water discharge measurement should be made for all monthly
and quarterly samples.

				DATA HANDLING

All data generated by the national stream-quality accounting network
program will be placed in the Water Resources Division's Water Quality
Pile. Central laboratories are responsible for entry of all data
generated by the laboratories. District offices will be responsible
for seeing that field measurements, such as daily, monthly, or quarterly
discharge, temperature, conductance, pH, alkalinity, etc., are entered
into the WRD file. If district offices wish the laboratory to place
field measurements in computer storage for them, in which case the
field measurements will appear on the analysis sheet as well as on the
primary printout, the field measurements should be entered on the
laboratory log-inventory form that accompanies the sample submitted
for laboratory analysis.

For information on data storage and retrieval, see "National Water
Data Storage and Retrieval System" instructions for the Storage and
Retrieval of Water Data, U.S. Geological Survey, Water Resources
Division.


REFERENCES

Brown, E., Skougstad, M. W., and Fishman, M. J., 1970, Methods for
	Collection and Analysis of Water Samples for dissolved minerals
	and gases: U.S. Geol. Survey Techniques of Water-Resources
	Investigations, Book 5, Chap. Al, 160 p.

Goerlitz, D. F., and Brown, E., 1972, Methods for Analysis of
	Organic Substances in Water: U.S. Geol. Survey Techniques of
	Water-Resources Investigations, Book 5, Chap. A3, 40 p.

Guy, H. P., and Norman, V. W., 1970, Field Methods for Measurement
	of Fluvial Sediment: U.S. Geol. Survey Techniques of Water-
	Resources Investigations, Book 3, Chap. C2, 59 p.

Slack, K. V., and Others, 1973, Methods for Collection and Analysis
	of Aquatic Biological and Microbiological Samples: U.S. Geol.
	Survey Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, Book 5
	Chap. A4, 165 p.

U.S. Interagency Committee on Water Resources, Subcommittee on
	Sedimentation, 1963, Measurement and Analysis of Sediment Loads
	in Streams, Report 14, 151 p.

WRD Memorandum No. 73.97, October 26, 1972.




			APPENDIX - Periphyton

There are two objectives in sampling periphyton by the artificial
substrate method. They are (1) to obtain a representative sample
of the stream at the exposure site, and (2) to obtain a representa-
tive sample of the same point or micro-environment of the stream on
each sampling occasion. Artificial substrates do not provide a
quantitative sample of the biological population of the entire cross-
section at the study site. Only through more sophisticated and
expensive sampling programs can quantitative population samples be
obtained.

If a series of samples is to show a trend over a period of time the
samples must always be taken from the same exact location. This
is necessary because the stream reach is a "mosaic" of relatively
small spaces or microhabitats, each characterized by different
environmental conditions, and each inhabited by a different popula-
tion of organisms. Water velocity, type of bottom sediment, and
exposure to light are significant natural variables in a stream.

The composition of the biological community changes in response to
cultural influences as well as to natural ones. Thus, artificial
substrate samplers must be exposed at the same places and in the
same manner each time. If they are not, the differences caused by
sampling different micro-environments may be interpreted erroneously
as a change in water quality during the exposure period.

The foregoing approach must be applied with flexibility during the
initial phase of the national stream-quality accounting network
program. For example, if a substrate sampler must be located at a
station other than the assigned site, collect the substrate in the
usual way and forward it to the Hydrobiological Laboratory for
processing. However, be sure to indicate on the sample label that
the substrate was not obtained from the primary site and state
exactly where and how it was exposed. A few notes on the natural
variables at a substitute site would help in evaluating the data.
It is imperative that the date of placement and the date of recovery
for all artifical substrates be indicated on the sample label.

		EXPOSURE OF ARTIFICIAL SUBSTRATES

In figure 1,suggested locations for artificial substrate exposure
are shown for some typical river conditions. The preferred locations
are indicated.

 The particular stream environment determines the preferred exposure
site. Whether or not the preferred site is feasible, the manner in
which a substrate sampler is positioned and attached at the site are
determined by operational considerations. Remember that the maximum
value will be obtained from a series of samples collected over a
period of time; therefore each sample must be collected from the same
place.

Interference with the substrates or with their accessory equipment
by curious individuals is commonly the most serious problem encountered.
Exposure sites must be located away from heavily traveled areas and
popular fishing "holes," and the installations must be inconspicuous.
Repeated vandalism or lost samplers will necessitate a change in the
exposure site.

Samples will be collected by a set of artificial substrates consisting
three polyethylene strips. Attach the three polyethylene strips
vertically to a submerged log, tree stump, bridge, pier, etc., or
attach an anchor to one end of the strip and a float to the other end
and suspend vertically (fig. 2). It is important that all three 
substrates be located in the same place. The polyethylene strips
must be exposed to the sun if periphyton colonization and growth is
to take place.  Avoid if possible the placement of the artificial
substrates in the shadow of steep bluffs or under dense overhanging
vegetation. However, the strips must be kept from public view if
vandalism is to be prevented. The substrate sampler should be se-
cured near the surface of the stream in pools or secured to bottom
in shallow riffles.

The exposure time of the substrate should be 4 weeks. A summary of
optium exposure conditions for the periphyton substrate sampler is
given in table 1.

After four (4) weeks, carefully remove the polyethylene strips from
the water and place 2 of the 3 strips into separate collection bottles.
This should be done immediately to avoid undue exposure to sunlight.
Collection bottles containing the periphyton strips should be chilled
immediately to 1-4 C, kept in dark, and shipped by fastest available
means to the Hydrobiological Laboratory. The third strip may now be
discarded. No preservative (other than chilling) will be used with
periphyton samples. Consult with the Hydrobiological Laboratory for
the recommended shipping container for chilled samples.


	Table l.--Summary of optimum conditions for exposure of
	artificial substrates, national stream-quality
	accounting network.
	
						Recommended Procedure
	Sampling Variable			or Solution

	Time					Quarterly, exposed 4 weeks.
						Select period on basis of
						hydrologic events.
	
	Support					On submerged structure or by
						line from structure or float.

	Orientation				Vertical. Protect from extreme
						currents.

	Light					Essential. Maximum exposure to
						sunlight.

	Depth					At least part of substrate no
						deeper than 1-10 cm (0.4-4 in.)
						below water surfaces.

	Variable stage				Minimal. Sampler must remain
						submerged.

	Water Velocity				0.3-lm/sec (1-3 ft/sec).

	Sediment Accumulation			Minimal accumulation.

	Loss of material during recovery	Surround entire sampler with fine
						mesh net. Add contents of net
						to sample. (Net may be obtained
						from the Hydrobiological Laboratory.

	Vandalism				Make recovery line inconspicusous.
						Expose in remote areas or areas
						closed to public. Move site if
						repeated losses, but document all
						relocations.