You may find a little something extra in your next data report from Evergreen Analytical Laboratory; a CDPHE WARNING notice.

The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, (CDPHE) Water Quality Control Division has asked for our help in identifying and/or rejecting samples that are not received within the acceptance criteria of the analytical method. The parameters we are making note of are pH, temperature, holding time and for VOCs, the presence of headspace in the sample container upon arrival at EAL.

Guidelines for meeting acceptance criteria: pH - Many sample bottles contain material to preserve the samples which alter the pH. If the preservative was accidentally washed out while collecting the sample or if you were not able to acidify the sample after dechlorination please make note of the incident on the chain of custody form. In many cases the sample may still be preserved upon arrival at the lab. If the sample is out of pH range and we cannot acidify the sample upon receipt, CDPHE may require you to collect a replacement sample.

Temperature - All compliance samples with the exception of radiological samples must be shipped on ice. EPA Methods state that the sample must be stored at 4° C ± 2 degrees, (36° to 43° F). If the sample is hand-delivered within a few hours of collection the sample may not have time to chill to the accepted range. In these cases the sample custodian can note that the samples were 'received on ice' thereby satisfying the temperature requirement.

Holding Time - Samples for Nitrate, Nitrite, Radon and Coliform have short holding times, ie. 48 hours or less. These samples must be collected and submitted to the lab with sufficient time remaining to be analyzed during normal business hours. Sample collection for all tests on weekends should be avoided.

Head Space - The amount of air allowable in the container for samples collected for Volatile Organic Compounds must be no larger than a small pea.

NOTE: In the event samples are received outside the acceptance criteria we are required by CDPHE to reject the samples and request that they be recollected. If the scheduled monitoring period will elapse prior to reporting the replacement sample, you should notify CDPHE to avoid a Notice of Violation.

Sample site locations / Sample point codes– Samples must be collected and referred to at the location designations as they appear on your monitoring schedule. The sample point code should be used as the Sample ID on the chain of custody form and on the State report forms you submit. The Department has provided us with the following list of Tips for understanding the schedules!

Tips for Monitoring Schedules from CDPHE

Finally, by following the instructions that are provided with each drinking water sample kit you will be in compliance. Please feel free to call us with ANY questions you may have. Our numbers are 303-425-6021, and toll-free 1-877-737-4521.