Source: Penn State University
Date and Time
Location
Kickoff Meeting
Receive sample kits, anintroduction to the program, andinstructions
Fill in
Fill in
Sample Drop-off
Drop off your sample bottles at aconvenient location – we transportthem to the lab.
Fill in
Fill in
Interpretation Meeting
Receive your confidential results,information about taking care ofyour water system and dealingwith any problems.
Fill in
Fill in
•Established in 1989
•County-based Drinking WaterClinics
•Coordinated with trainedlocal extension educators orvolunteers
•Kickoff Meeting – distributesample kits
•Homeowners collect sample;samples analyzed at VT BSElab for 14 parameters
•Interpretation Meeting: testresults, interpretation andbasic information aboutmaintenance and addressingproblems
•19,500+ wells analyzed in 92counties
What is theVAHWQP?What is theVAHWQP?
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Photo credits: Penn State Univ., http://www.banthebagspdx.com/?p=283, USGS; http://www.clker.com/clipart-puzzle-pieces-2.html;
http://levahnbros.wordpress.com/2009/12/01/copper-pipe-leak/; http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/442/442-670/442-670.html
Local land uses
Surface activities
Hydrogeology
Well location
Well construction
Well maintenance
Water Treatment
and Plumbing
Bacteria
Total Coliform bacteria
E. Coli bacteria
Chemicals
Nitrate
Copper
Iron
Manganese
Sulfate
Sodium
Fluoride
Lead
Arsenic
pH
Total dissolved solids
Hardness
![C:\Users\ejames\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\R2TS6AQ1\laboratory-13791456161Q4[1].jpg](data/images/img27.jpg)
Metals like copper and lead are notusually found in groundwater, but may beleached from pipes and other plumbinginto your water.
If these metals are in your plumbing,water sitting in pipes at least 6 hours willhave the highest levels.
The sample bottle labeled FIRST (X ontop) needs to be collected first thing inthe morning, before any water has beenused in the home.
Important!
•Do not use any water in the home after10 pm (if possible!)
•Collect the bottle labeled “FIRST” with an“x” on the top FIRST, before running anywater!
Sample envelope contains:
2 large bottles
2 small bottles
Questionnaire
Sampling Instructions
Tips:
Do not use water after 10 pm the night before!
Choose a kitchen or bathroom faucet. If you drink the water, collect there.
Make sure sink is clean and dishes are removed.
Do not remove bottle cap until you are ready to collect each sample.
Do not touch inside of sample bottle or cap.
Collect FIRST (X on top) bottle first!
Then wash hands before collecting other samples.
![C:\Documents and Settings\ejames.HOKIES\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\WHUNOBY7\MPj04244320000[1].jpg](data/images/img34.png)
1.Read sample instructions completely before collecting samples.
2.Do not run any water in the home after 10 pm the night before collecting samples.
3.Before ANY water has been used in the home, collect a sample in the bottle labeledFIRST (X on top) by turning the water on fully as you would to fill a glass.
4.After collecting FIRST sample and replacing cap securely, wash hands thoroughly toavoid contaminating the sterile bacteria bottle. Dry hands.
5.Allow water to run for at least 1 minute to flush out pipes.
Sampling Instructions (continued)Sampling Instructions (continued)
7.In any order, fill the rest of the bottles, one bottle at a time.
8.Carefully remove one cap, and hold it while you fill the bottle.
9.Fill the bottle completely; do not allow it to overflow, and leave as little air aspossible.
10. Replace and tighten cap securely.
11. Repeat with remaining two bottles.
12. If you are not immediately going to drop off your sample, put in refrigerator orcooler.
13.Complete the questionnaire and bring it with you to the drop off site!
PLEASE KEEP QUESTIONNAIRE DRY AND SEPARATE FROM BOTTLES.
Piping Material*
Type of Water System*
Drilled Well
Bored Well
Spring Box
Lead
Copper
Brass
Plastic
*Answer to the best of your knowledge. Some well casings are buried and not visible fromthe surface. More than one type of plumbing materials is common – list all that you can see.
Fill in based on how you have it set up, who to make checks to, etc. Cost is $52per sample kit.
