What is the role of QA/QC in water sampling?

The role of Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) in water sampling is fundamentally to ensure that the methods used in sampling yield results that are both reliable and accurate. This dimension is critical because integrity of the data collected affects the decision-making processes that rely on that information, such as environmental assessments and public health decisions.

QA/QC protocols establish guidelines and procedures that help to manage variables and potential errors in sampling techniques, storage, transport of samples, and analysis of those samples. By adhering to these protocols, samplers can minimize the chances of contamination, loss of sample integrity, and discrepancies in results, thereby bolstering the trustworthiness of the data collected.

While different sampling strategies, location variation, and training protocols play roles in the overall water sampling process, they do not specifically encapsulate the essence and purpose of QA/QC, which is truly centered around ensuring data quality.