In Reply Refer To: September 30, 1986 WGS-Mail Stop 412 QUALIlY OF WATER BRANCH TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM NO. 86.10 Subject: PROGRAMS AND PLANS--National Water-Quality Networks: Fiscal Year l987--October 1, 1986, to September 30, 1987 Program status and protocol for operation of the National Stream Quality Accounting Network (NASQAN) and the Hydrologic Bench-Mark Network (HBMN) in fiscal year (FY) 1987 are outlined in this memorandum. 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 Networks data collection can be traced to personnel not being adequately informed of changes in sample collection and processing procedures, and other aspects of networks operations. NETWORKS OPERATIONS, FY 1987 Durinq the 1986 FY the NASQAN program underwent an extensive review process. Each District was visited by a review team which in consultation with District personnel evaluated each NASQAN station operated by the District. The purpose of the review was to develop a revised network of stations whose locations are more appropriate for the detection of trends in water qualiiy nationwide, and are better oriented to a sampling strategy aimed at sediment-related water-quallty constituents (toxics, in particular) of contemporary concern. The reviews have been completed and a revised station list is nearly complete. As of the date of this memorandum, the network consists of 408 stations of which 27 are new or relocated sites. A number of other new sites and/or relocated sites will be added during the course of the new fiscal year as proposals for the new sites - as requested by the review teams - are received and evaluated by Headquarters personnel. All old sites will retain the sampling frequency used in FY 1986 - bimonthly or quarterly. All new sites will be sampled on a bimonthly basis. Field Incremental Analysis for Alkalinity Office of Water Quality Technical Memorandum 85.19 (NASQAN implementation memo for FY 1986) had a detailed discussion of alkalinity measurements in the field, including appropriate references. It is suggested that field personnel reread Tech Memo 85.19 to review the material on the measurement of alkalinity in the field and the computation of parameters using the available computer programs on the Prime. Copies of this memo are available from the Office of Water Quality. In that discussion on alkalinity measurements, reference was made to the five parameter codes that were appropriate to the measurement of alkalinity in the field. Four of those codes were 90000 level codes meaning that the EPA STORET system would not recognize them for inclusion in STORET. It was also stated that new codes were being requested and that when the new codes were received and activated in the WATSTORE parameter code dictionary, the field offices would be instructed to begin using them. Headquarters would take care of moving the data from the 90000 level codes to the new codes at the next appropriate merge of the QW data file. Those codes have now been received and Districts are instructed to begin using them in FY 1987. These codes are as follows: Old Code New Code Parameter Description 00410 00410 Alkalinity, water, whole, fixed endpoint titration, to 4.5 pH, as CaCO3, field, mg/l 99430 00419 Alkalinity, carbonate, water, whole, incremental titration, field, as CaCO3, mg/l 99445 00447 Carbonate, water, whole, incremental titration, field, mg/l 99440 00450 Bicarbonate, water, whole, incremental titration, field, mg/l 99830 71833 Hydroxide, water, whole, incremental titration, field, mg/l Please note that the above codes are for WHOLE WATER samples. At the present time no comparable codes for WATER, DISSOLVED, have been requested, even though such codes would be more appropriate for the instructions given in Tech Memo 85.19 regarding filtering of samples to provide a uniform framework for comparison between samples. There is still considerable debate about the utility of filtering a sample for an alkalinty measurement. Most data collected so far (excluding highly turbid samples from some western states) indicate that there is little difference between filtered and unfiltered samples. For the purposes of NASQAN and Bench-Mark, continue to filter the sample prior to alkalinity measurement and store the data under the codes listed above. This is not altogether technically satisfying, but the data will at least be stored in a consistent manner. Trend Analysis Investigations The NASQAN Program Office will be supporting 2 projects -- in Texas and New Jersey -- for the detection of trends in statewide data bases containing USGS data, but not necessarily NASQAN data. These Districts were selected because each state has a large number of water-quality monitoring stations, of long duration, for which USGS has collected and analyzed the samples. We plan to initiate additional studies of this type in other Districts in future years. Stable Isotope Investigation Districts will continue to collect samples for the ongoing investigation to study seasonal and regional variation of stable isotopes at both NASQAN and Benchmark stations selected by Tyler Coplen. A memorandum to affected District Chiefs, dated July 29, 1986, from Tyler and Carol Kendall provides additional information on the progress of this project. Bottles, Polysea1 caps, and mercuric chloride tablets should have already been sent to the District offices. The sampling procedure is described in Office of Water Quality Technical Memorandum 82.01 (Collecting Water Samples for Stable Isotope Analysis). Each sample should be composited with a churn splitter as usual, filtered, poured into a 2-ounce glass bottle, and preserved with one HgCl2 tablet (DO NOT USE MERCURIC CHLORIDE SOLUTION!); no chilling is needed. Each sample should include a small amount of air space in the bottle. Each bottle should be labeled with the station number, sample date and time. No other paperwork is necessary. Samples can be shipped immediately or in batches every six months to: Stable Isotope Laboratory, U.S. Geological Survey, 431 National Center, Reston, Virginia 22092. To prevent sample freezing and possible breakage during shipment, samples should not be forwarded to Reston for analysis during the winter months. Samples are analyzed at no cost to the Districts or the NASQAN/Benchmark programs. The parameters analyzed for include (1) deuterium/protium (hydrogen-2/hydrogen-l), ratio per mil, WATSTORE code 82082; (2) oxygen-l8/oxygen-l6, ratio per mil, WATSTORE code 82085. The Stable Isotope Laboratory will enter all analyses into the WATSTORE/NWIS85 Water Quality File. Because of the anticipated delay in sample shipment, analysis, and processing, Districts are not required to publish the analyses in the annual data reports. Collection of Representative Samples As in past years, the Office of Water Quality and the NASQAN/Benchmark staff remind all field personnel that the collection of a representative sample is of utmost importance. Procedures for the collection of a representative sample are well documented. As part of this effort, cross-section surveys (depth and width) of water temperature, pH, specific conductance, dissolved oxygen, and suspended sediment have been required activities at each site in the two networks. Over a period of years the data base of such data should include data for various seasons and surface water discharges. Cross-section surveys should include a discharge measurement so that each measured constituent can be associated with a weighted discharge value. The results of cross-section surveys should be stored in the WATSTORE/NWIS86 Water-Quality File. When entering such data, be sure to enter the cross-section location - WATSTORE code 00009, CROSS-SECTION LOCATION, FEET FROM LEFT BANK, LOOKING DOWNSTREAM. In FY 1987, as a supplement to the cross-section survey effort, the NASQAN Program Office will conduct intensive cross sectional surveys for suspended sediment and sediment chemistry. The objectives are to: (1) determine short term variability at given verticals and in cross sections, (2) determine whether representative samples can be collected at the center of flow vertical, or at a point within this vertical; (3) compare the standard sampler versus pump samplers; and (4) determine the importance of the sand fraction as a carrier of trace elements and trace organics. This project is being designed by a group of Headquarters, District, and National Research Program personnel. Selected Districts will be asked to conduct the field work. We want to cover the major types of hydrologic environments within the country, and to sample each selected environment at low and high flows. Periods for Sample Collection The table below indicates the time periods for sample collection for stations sampled quarterly (four times per year) and bimonthly (six times per year). QUARTERLY STATIONS BIMONTHLY STATIONS first sample OCTOBER-NOVEMBER-DECEMBER OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 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 Use of ICP Use of the inductively-coupled plasma (ICP) procedure for the analysis of selected dissolved common and trace inorganic constituents will continue to be utilized to decrease analytical costs. The ICP procedure is not to be used whenever the specific conductance is greater than 2,000 uS/cm because the detection limits become greater. Schedule 177 will be used in lieu of schedule 176 whenever the specific conductance is greater than 2,000 uS/cm. Based upon historical specific conductance data for each NASQAN and HBMN station, the percentage of samples with specific conductance values equal to or greater than 2,000 uS/cm was computed and are given in Appendix A under the right-hand side heading "PROBABILITY (%) THAT SPECIFIC CONDUCTANCE WILL BE EQUAL TO OR GREATER THAN 2,000 US/CM." These values represent the overall probability that a sample collected during FY 1987 will require schedule 177 in lieu of schedule 176. Only schedule 176 is authorized for stations with zero probability of the specific conductance exceeding 2,000 uS/cm. Because of the uncertainiy involved in predicting the number of samples during FY 1987 that will exceed 2,000 uS/cm, both schedule 176 and 177 are authorized for four uses at NASQAN and HBMN stations where the value given in the right-hand column of Appendix A is greater than zero. It is to be clearly understood, however, that the actual number of usages authorized between schedules 176 and 177 is four, not eight, for both HBMN and NASQAN. District Water-Quality Specialists have the 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: (1) a field specific conductance measurement 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. Unique Numbers Districts are reminded that all samples (excluding suspended- sediment samples which are analyzed in District sediment laboratories for particle size and concentration) are to be sent to the U.S. Geological Survey Central Laboratory in Arvada, Co, with appropriate Central Laboratory unique numbers. The necessary computer program documentation to retrieve unique numbers is given in Quality of Water Branch Technical Memorandum 79.15. New unique numbers are established at the beginning of the each water year and are to be used until September 30 of each water year. Personnel collecting NASQAN or HBMN samples should keep a current listing of the unique numbers in their field folder. Any National-Networks sample processed by ther Central Laboratory without a unique number will result in the analytical costs being billed to the District default account instead of the appropriate National-Networks 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. Analytical Services Request Fonn Although the unique number, date, and time are all that are required on the Analytical Services Request Form, additional information such as station name, special sampling conditions, National-Networks program (NASQAN, Bench- Mark), etc., are helpful to the Central Laboratory personnel and District personnel processing the analytical results. All information coded in the comments section of the Analytical Services Request Form is stored in the Water- Quality File. Uniform Data-Collection Program Districts are reminded of the importance to ensure that all NASQAN and HBMN samples be analyzed for the same measurements as specified later in this memorandum. In particular, all field measurements specified should be done for each sample; there are no exceptions to this rule. Analytical Schedules There are no changes to any of the analytical schedules used in the NASQAN and Bench-Mark networks in FY 1987. NASQAN DATA-COLLECTION PROGRAM NASQAN stations to be operated during the period October 1, 1986, through September 30, 1987, are listed in Appendix A. The network will start the new fiscal year with 408 stations, with more to be added as proposals requested by the review teams are received and evaluated by the NASQAN program office. Three-hundred-eighty-one stations are retained from the old network. Twenty-seven new stations have been approved for implementation on Oct.l, 1986. Most of the new stations are not considered as relocations because the water quality is probably not comparable to the water quality at the old sites they replace. NASQAN Sampling Schedule for FY 1987 Initially in FY 1987, there will be one NASQAN station sampled monthly, 169 NASQAN stations sampled quarterly, and 238 NASQAN stations sampled bimonthly (see Appendix A). Please notify the Office of Water Quality if the District responsible for collection of samples for any NASQAN or HBMN station has changed recently and is subsequently given incorrectly in Appendix A. NASQAN Sampling Schedule (Quarterly Stations) 4 per year - Field measurements: Instantaneous discharge (WATSTORE Code 00061) Specific conductance (WATSTORE Code 00095) Water temperature, degrees C (WATSTORE Code 00010) Barometric pressure (WATSTORE Code 00025) pH (WATSTORE Code 00400) Carbonate alkalinity, incremental titration (WATSTORE Code 00419) Dissolved carbonate, incremental titration (WATSTORE Code 00447) Dissolved bicarbonate, incremental titration (WATSTORE Code 00450) Alkalinity, fixed end-point titration to 4.5 pH (WATSTORE Code 00410) Hydroxide, incremental titration (WATSTORE Code 71833) Dissolved oxygen (WATSTORE Code 00300) Fecal coliform bacteria (WATSTORE Code 31625) Fecal streptococcal bacteria (WATSTORE Code 31673) 4 per year - Suspended sediment: Concentration (WATSTORE Code 80154) Percent finer than 0.062 mm, sieve diameter (WATSTORE Code 70331) 4 per year - Nutrients, lab schedule 86 4 per year - Physical properties, common and trace dissolved inorganic constituents: lab schedule 176 (specific conductance < 2,000 uS/cm) or lab schedule 177 (specific conductance > 2,000 uS/cm) Cross-section surveys (depth and width) of temperature, pH, specific conductance, dissolved oxygen, and suspended- sediment concentration as needed to document cross-section homogeneity. NASQAN Sampling Schedule (Bimonthly Stations) 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 (specific conductance < 2,000 uS/cm) or lab schedule 177 (specific conductance > 2,000 uS/cm) 2 per year - Physical properties and common dissolved inorganic constituents: lab schedule 1904 (not used when schedule 176 or 177 is used) Cross-section surveys (depth and width) of temperature, pH, specific conductance, dissolved oxygen, and suspended- sediment concentration as needed to document cross-section homogeneity. NASQAN Sampling Schedule (Monthly Station) 12 per year - Field measurements (same as quarterly) 12 per year - Suspended sediment (same as quarterly) 12 per year - Nutrients, lab schedule 86 8 per year - Physical properties and common dissolved inorganic constituents: lab schedule 1904 (not used when schedule 176 is used) 4 per year - Physical properties, and common and trace dissolved inorganic constituents: lab schedule 176 Cross-section surveys (depth and width) of temperature, pH, specific conductance, dissolved oxygen, and suspended- sediment concentration as needed to document cross-section homogeneity. NASQAN RADIOCHEMICAL SUBNETWORK NASQAN Radiochemical Subnetwork stations for FY 1986 are indicated in Appendix A by listing a "2" under the heading "SCHEDULE 1703 RADIOCHE". Forty-six NASQAN stations comprise the network in FY 1987, down from 52 in F1 1986. One sample should be collected at high-flow and one sample should be collected at lowflow as before. 2 per year - Radiochemicals, lab schedule 1703 HYDROLOGIC BENCH-MARK NETWORK Hydrologic Bench-Mark Network stations to be operated in FY 1987 are listed in Appendix A. We plan to conduct a review of the Bench-Mark network, somewhat analogous to the current review of the NASQAN. If all goes well we will initiate the Bench-Mark review in FY 1988. At 3 HBMN stations, only surface water discharge data are to be collected: these are also given in Appendix A. Of the 56 stations to be sampled for water quality during FY 1987, forty-four (44) HBMN stations will be sampled quarterly, 10 HBMN stations will be sampled bimonthly, and 2 will be sampled monthly. All HBMN samples will be analyzed for the same properties and constituents as NASQAN samples. The field measurements and analytical schedules used for the HBMN program are therefore the same as for the NASQAN program. Trace metals samples will be collected at the 56 water- quality Bench-Mark stations on a quarterly basis. The analytical schedules remain the same. Analysis of radiochemicals at the 56 water-quality Bench-Mark stations will be on a semiannual basis (1 high-flow and 1 low-flow sample). The specific conductance is likely to exceed 2,000 uS/cm at only one HBMN station - the Bear Den Creek at Mandaree, ND (06332515). Therefore, this station may require schedule 177 for analysis of quarterly dissolved common and trace inorganic constituents. All other stations will require use of schedule 176 for analysis of these constituents. Hydrologic Bench-Mark Network Sampling Schedule (Quarterly Stations) 4 per year - Field Measurements: Instantaneous discharge (WATSTORE Code 00061) Specific conductance (WATSTORECode 00095) Water temperature, deg. C (WATSTORE Code 00010) Barometric pressure, mm Hg (WATSTORE Code 00025) pH (WATSTORE Code 00400) Carbonate alkalinity, incremental titration (WATSTORE Code 00419) Dissolved carbonate, incremental titration (WATSTORE Code 00447) Dissolved bicarbonate, incremental titration (WATSTORE Code 00450) Alkalinity, fixed end-point titration to 4.5 pH (WATSTORE Code 00410) Hydroxide, incremental titration (WATSTORE Code 71833) Dissolved oxygen (WATSTORE Code 00300) Fecal coliform bacteria (WATSTORE Code 31625) Fecal streptococcal bacteria (WATSTORE Code 31673) 4 per year - Suspended sediment: Concentration (WATSTORE Code 80154) Percent finer than 0.062 mm, sieve diameter (WATSTORE Code 70331) 4 per year - Nutrients, lab schedule 86 4 per year - Physical properties, common and trace dissolved inorganic constituents: lab schedule 176 2 per year - Radiochemicals, lab schedule 1703 Cross-section surveys (depth and width) of tempetature, pH, specific conductance, dissolved oxygen, and suspended- sediment concentration as needed to document cross-section homogeneity. Hydrologic Bench-Mark Network Sampling Schedule (Bimonthly Stations) 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 (specific conductance < 2,000 uS/cm) or lab schedule 177 (specific conductance > 2,000 uS/cm) 2 per year - Physical properties and common dissolved inorganic constituents: lab schedule 1904 (not used when schedule 176 or 177 is used) 2 per year - Radiochemicals, lab schedule 1703 Cross-section surveys (depth and width) of temperature, pH, specific conductance, dissolved oxygen, and suspended- sediment concentration as needed to document cross-section homogeneity. Hydrologic Bench-Mark Network Sampling Schedule (Monthly Stations) 12 per year - Field measurements (same as quarterly) 12 per year - Suspended sediment (same as quarterly) 12 per year - Nutrients, lab schedule 86 4 per year - Physical properties and common and trace dissolved inorganic constituents: lab schedule 176 8 per year - Physical properties and common dissolved inorganic constituents: lab schedule 1904 (not used when schedule 176 is used) 2 per year - Radiochemicals, lab schedule 1703 Cross-section surveys (depth and width) of temperature, pH, specific conductance, dissolved oxygen, and suspended- sediment concentration as needed to document cross-section homogeneity. The NASQAN program is undergoing its first major restructuring since its inception in 1973. More changes are coming. During this transition period it is imperative that we continue the strong policy of quality assurance in the data collection activities to insure the continuation of one of the finest data bases of its kind in the world. David A. Rickert Attachments WRD Distribution: A, S, FO, PO Key Words: water quality, networks, sampling, NASQAN, Bench-Mark, FY 1987 This memorandum does not supersede any previous memorandum