What is typically included in the documentation for a water sample?

The documentation for a water sample is crucial for ensuring the integrity and traceability of the sample throughout analysis. Including the location and time of sample collection is vital because this information provides context for the sample and helps establish a precise chain of custody. Knowing where the water was collected allows for comparisons to be made with other samples from the same area and assists in understanding environmental factors that may affect water quality.

Additionally, recording the time of collection is essential for evaluating any temporal variations in water quality, such as seasonal changes or diurnal patterns. Without accurate location and timing data, it would be challenging to assess the relevance of the results and relate them back to specific environmental conditions or regulatory standards.

While other pieces of information, such as the collector's personal details, sampling equipment data, and weather conditions, could be beneficial, they do not carry the same level of critical importance for the basic integrity and analysis of the water sample as the location and time do.