Thursday, November 16, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.

Session #16 – Bits, Bites, & Issues in Field Sampling & Field Quality Control

ON DEMAND RECORDING

Please Click button to schedule access*
or Send an email to admin@omwa.org to schedule access.
FREE to members.
Fee for non-members $30+HST.

Overview:

Good laboratory analysis begins with representative field sampling. This session will explore processes and pitfalls for field sampling both indoors and outdoors for microbiological samples, as well as pH sampling when sampling for lead (e.g. Regulation 170/03). Consistency among samplers is important to ensure compliance and so that data can be compared and analyzed for trends. We will explore quality control measures that can be used in field sampling.

At the completion of this one-hour OJT session, participants will be able to demonstrate the following:

                        • Describe some basic characteristics of indicator bacteria

                        • Apply consistent practices when collecting microbiological samples indoors and outdoors

                        • Understand meter use when measuring pH in the field.

                        • Apply basic quality control measures in field sampling

                        • Apply tools to assist with sampling consistency between operators

  • Facilitator:

    Brenda McLay

    Our facilitator is Brenda McLay, Owner and Director of Near North Laboratories Inc located in North Bay, ON. Near North Laboratories provides environmental & analytical services focusing on microbiological and inorganic chemical analyses of drinking water and wastewater; as well as field sampling services and field training for clients. Brenda has written and delivered several MECP Director Approved courses for water operators since 2008 including a current on-line self-paced 0.3 CEU course on Microbiological Sampling. Brenda has a Bachelor of Science degree (Biology) from Nipissing University, an Environmental Biology Technology diploma (3 year) from Canadore College, a Water Quality Analyst certification through the Ministry of Environment, Conservation & Parks and was a quality system assessor and lead assessor for the Canadian Association for Laboratory Accreditation from 2003 to 2013.

    Q:  How do I calibrate the pH meter when the pH of samples varies between being over 7 and under 7?

  • A:  If the pH of your drinking water samples tend to measure both over and under a pH of 7.00, and the 2 point calibration of the pH meter doesn’t seem to work well, most pH meters will accommodate a 3 point calibration using 4, 7 and 10 buffers.  Again, having a second pH 7 buffer with a different lot number to use as a certified standard for verification is a good idea.

 

  • Logistics:
    These 1-hour virtual sessions are offered every alternate Thursday starting at 2:00 pm.  Sessions are complimentary to all OMWA members and the fee for non-members is $30.00 CAD plus HST per person per session.  Questions:
    If you have any specific questions regarding this OJT session, please feel free to submit them when you register and we will provide them to the workshop facilitator.       The OMWA will provide a certificate recognizing participation in these On the Job Training sessions.
    Attendance may also qualify as a Continuing Knowledge Activity for the PEO PEAK program
Print Friendly, PDF & Email