What is a potential consequence of collecting contaminated water samples?

Collecting contaminated water samples can skew the results of an analysis, leading to incorrect conclusions about the water's quality or the presence of specific contaminants. This is critical because water sampling aims to provide accurate data to inform decisions about water safety, compliance with regulations, and public health. If samples are contaminated, the data derived from them may inaccurately represent the true conditions of the water source, potentially resulting in misguided actions or policies based on faulty information. Accurate sampling is essential to ensure that findings reflect the actual state of the water, allowing for proper management and protection of water resources.