Radionuclides Sampling Procedures

The purpose of these slides is to demonstrate recommended sampling techniques. This presentation includes: supplies needed supplies needed sample tap selection sample tap selection collection; and collection; and shipping. shipping. Sampling for Radionuclides

We know and recognize that there are numerous techniques and methods for collecting drinking water samples. The idea of this presentation is to demonstrate the general method used while providing some helpful suggestions for sample collection, whether you are an owner, operator, or trainee. This presentation is in no way to be considered a substitute for the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and amendments. Sampling for Radionuclides

What are Radionuclides and why do we sample for them? Completely avoiding radioactivity is impossible. Radionuclides are found in air, water, soil, and even living things. People are exposed to background levels of radiation all the time. Sources of these exposures to radiation can come from building materials such as granite, airborne radon, and even low levels are found in food.

What are Radionuclides and why do we sample for them? Radionuclides generally enter drinking water through the erosion or chemical weathering of naturally occurring mineral deposits. Long-term exposure to radionuclides from drinking water results in the increased risk of cancer.

What are Radionuclides and why do we sample for them? The radioactive particles (alpha, beta and gamma particles) emitted by radionuclides are called "ionizing radiation" because they ionize ("destabilize") nearby atoms as they travel through a cell or other material.

In living tissue, this ionization process can damage chromosomes or other parts of the cell. This cellular damage can lead to the death of the cell or to unnatural reproduction of the cell. When a cell reproduces uncontrollably, it becomes a cancer. What are Radionuclides and why do we sample for them?

Why Sample for Radionuclides? The purpose of sampling for radionuclides is to reduce this exposure and to reduce the risk of cancer. The EPA sampling requirement for radionuclides improves public health protection by reducing exposure to all radionuclides.

Why Sample for Radionuclides? Since December 2003, The Radionuclide rule has included the existing maximum contaminant levels, or MCLs, for combined radium-226 and radium-228, gross alpha particle radioactivity, and beta particle and photon activity. The rule also established a new MCL for Uranium. It is important to note that the radionuclide rule regulates community water systems only.

State Guidelines – Rules – Sample Requirements Be sure to check with your state or tribal drinking water program office for additional guidelines, rules and/or sample requirements since they may be more stringent than those required by the federal Safe Drinking Water Act.

Radionuclides Sampling Supplies Before you begin sampling, it is important to have all of your supplies on hand. Here is a list of the suggested supplies you may need:

Cooler for shipping and storage of your sample while in transit between collection point and lab. Radionuclides Sampling Supplies

Bagged Ice for your shipping cooler. Radionuclides Sampling Supplies

Sample Container Radionuclides Sampling Supplies

Lab slips, labels, and markers for sample container identification Radionuclides Sampling Supplies

Paper towels for drying off the outside of your sample container after sampling. Plastic storage baggies for ice and sample container Additional Recommended Items are: Radionuclides Sampling Supplies

Sample preparation instructions Containers used for radionuclide sampling are either a pre-cleaned 1-gallon Nalgene plastic bottle or two pre-cleaned 2 liter plastic bottles per sample. Preservatives are not normally used for this sample procedure.

As a general rule, proper washing of hands is highly recommended for the sample collector. Sample preparation instructions

Also, food, drink, and even 2nd hand cigarette smoke should never come into contact with the sample or its containers. These foreign objects have been suspected of causing false results in samples, so be sure to practice good clean sample collection procedures. Sample preparation instructions

Do not sample with any containers that appear to have been tampered with since this may cause an undesirable sample result. Sample preparation instructions

Sampling Procedures The laboratory that supplies the sampling containers may provide instruction with the kit for the type of monitoring being performed. Be sure to refer to those instructions when provided.

Select a state approved sampling location if any have been designated. If not, select a representative sampling location. For a surface water system, the plant effluent tap might be an appropriate sampling location. For a well discharging directly into a distribution system (entry point to the distribution system or EPTDS), a tap on the well’s discharge piping after any treatment would be appropriate. Sampling Procedures

If possible, use a non-swivel faucet and remove all attachments, including any aerators, strainers and hoses. It is normally recommended not to take a sample at that location if all attachments cannot be removed because they may alter the sample results. Sampling Procedures

Turn on the water tap and run the water for 2- 3 minutes then reduce the flow so that the stream is approximately ¼ inch in diameter. Do not change the flow rate until after sampling is completed. Sampling Procedures

While the water is running for those 2-3 minutes, completely fill out the 2-3 minutes, completely fill out the labels and lab slip. Be sure to clearly labels and lab slip. Be sure to clearly identify the system information, like identify the system information, like the public water system identification the public water system identification number, exact sample location, date and time of collection, and the sampler’s name. number, exact sample location, date and time of collection, and the sampler’s name. If the sample collection point has a specific coded identification, include it on the label and sample submission form. Be sure to attach the label prior to sampling. A wet sample container may not allow the label to properly adhere. Sampling Procedures

Hold bottle at an angle and carefully fill it to its shoulder. Do not touch the interior of the bottle or the underside of the cap. Do not allow the bottle to touch the faucet, or allow water to splash up onto the faucet. Sampling Procedures

Screw the cap on the container. Sampling Procedures

Pack the samples in a cooler with ice if instructed to do so. As a tip, it might be a good idea to bag up the sample and the ice separately in the cooler. This will help prevent leakage or contamination of the sample from the ice. Sampling Procedures

Samples must be delivered to the analytical laboratory within 3 days for proper testing Sampling Procedures

Taping of the chest prior to shipping is also recommended since the container could be mistakenly opened during shipment. Also be sure to tape the sample forms and any other sample documentation either inside or to the outside of the lid.

If the laboratory has any additional recommendations or requirements, they should be read and followed closely. Sampling Procedures

If you have any additional questions, please contact your state or tribal drinking water program office for assistance. Following the proper drinking water sample collection procedures can lead to peace of mind, knowing that the test results truly represent the quality of water your customers are drinking. After all, isn’t our goal to ensure... Following the proper drinking water sample collection procedures can lead to peace of mind, knowing that the test results truly represent the quality of water your customers are drinking. After all, isn’t our goal to ensure... Sampling Procedures

Radionuclides Sampling Procedures “Water Safe to Drink”