The reliability of ground water monitoring information can be assured by careful selection of sample handling and analytical procedures. Sampling mechanism selection has been studied far less than analytical methodologies (Scalf et al. 1981, Nacht 1983). This study has as its primary goal the identification of reliable sampling mechanisms for purgeable organic compounds and gas‐sensitive chemical parameters in ground water. Carefully controlled sampling experiments were run to investigate the error contributed to chemical results due to sampling mechanism alone. Fourteen commercial sampling devices in five mechanistic categories were evaluated for their performance in sample collection for solution parameters, dissolved gases and purgeable organic compounds. Systematic errors related to sampling mechanism can reduce the accuracy of monitoring data by factors of two to three times that involved in analytical procedures.

No abstract

Samples taken for analyzing the quality of groundwater can be altered by certain materials used in the construction of monitoring wells and even by the containers used to collect samples. Similar problems can occur with samples taken from a distribution system. Further research is needed to refine analytical procedures so that actual in situ data pertaining to organic compounds in groundwater can be obtained.

No abstract

This study provides cost information for private home ground‐water supply systems in Illinois. Relatively accurate cost predictions for different types and depths of wells, ranging in cost from about $150 to $2400, can be made from the graphs presented. The average cost of all wells studied is about $575. Cost data for pumping systems equipped with 10‐gpm submersible pumps (approximately 50 percent of all collected data) show that the average cost of these systems is about $585 with 50 percent ranging between $400 and $680. The costs of treating water for domestic use also are summarized. Two graphs illustrate the monthly costs of softening and removing iron at varying monthly consumption rates and concentrations of hardness‐forming minerals and iron. The monthly cost of continuous chlorination is calculated. Use of the data presented makes it possible to estimate the monthly costs of raw and treated water from a domestic ground‐water supply. Two maps show the probable costs of domestic raw water‐supply systems from sand and gravel wells and bedrock wells throughout the State. For an average installation and domestic use rate in Illinois, the monthly cost of raw water is about $11.00, softened water $15.40, softened water treated for iron $22.00, and softened water treated for iron and chlorinated $25.00. Similar calculations for any type and depth of well, water quality, and treatment can be made from the information in this report. This material should provide adequate information for planning purposes and decision making in developing a desired domestic supply.