ASTM D5903-96(2023)

Standard Guide for Planning and Preparing for a Groundwater Sampling Event

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 The success of a sampling event is influenced by adequate planning and preparation. Use of this guide will help the groundwater sampler to methodically execute the planning and preparation.  
3.2 This guide should be used by a professional or technician that has training or experience in groundwater sampling.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers planning and preparing for a groundwater sampling event. It includes technical and administrative considerations and procedures. Example checklists are also provided as Appendices.  
1.2 This guide may not cover every consideration procedure, or both, that is necessary before all groundwater sampling projects. In karst or fractured rock terranes, it may be appropriate to collect groundwater samples from springs (see Guide D5717). This guide focuses on sampling of groundwater from monitoring wells; however, most of the guidance herein can apply to the sampling of springs as well.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This guide offers an organized collection of information or a series of options and does not recommend a specific course of action. This document cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, nor should this document be applied without consideration of a project's many unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the title of this document means only that the document has been approved through the ASTM consensus process.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Jan-2023
• ICS: 13.060.10 - Water of natural resources
• Technical Committee: D18 - Soil and Rock
• Drafting Committee: D18.21 - Groundwater and Vadose Zone Investigations

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D5717-95e1 - Standard Guide for Design of Ground-Water Monitoring Systems in Karst and Fractured-Rock Aquifers (Withdrawn 2005)
• Effective Date: 13-Oct-1998

Overview

ASTM D5903-96(2023) - Standard Guide for Planning and Preparing for a Groundwater Sampling Event provides a comprehensive framework for professionals and technicians to effectively plan and prepare for groundwater sampling activities. Developed by ASTM, this guide outlines critical technical and administrative considerations necessary for the successful execution of groundwater sampling events, primarily focusing on monitoring wells. By following this guide, environmental professionals can ensure methodical execution, mitigate potential errors, and enhance the reliability of groundwater data collection.

Key Topics

• Systematic Planning: The standard emphasizes the importance of reviewing sampling and analysis plans, site health and safety plans, protocols, and quality assurance/quality control plans prior to any sampling event.
• Well Assessment: Guidance is provided on evaluating well construction, historical well performance, accessibility, and dedicated sampling equipment to anticipate logistical requirements.
• Laboratory Coordination: Steps are outlined for communicating with analytical laboratories, including prior notification, shipment of samples, documentation, and data handling.
• Field Logistics: The guide supports field preparations by recommending detailed checklists for sampling equipment, sample containment, decontamination procedures, documentation, and safety supplies.
• Health and Safety: Users are reminded to proactively address site-specific safety, health, and environmental concerns, preparing for regulatory and onsite hazards.
• Documentation and Quality Control: The guide recommends consistent use of data sheets, field records, chain of custody forms, and calibration logs to ensure traceability and defensibility of field data.

Applications

ASTM D5903-96(2023) is broadly valuable in:

• Environmental Site Assessments: Ensuring groundwater samples are representative and data quality objectives are met.
• Regulatory Compliance: Satisfying federal, state, and local groundwater monitoring requirements through methodical planning and documentation.
• Remediation Projects: Facilitating the collection of high-quality samples for site characterization, ongoing monitoring, and post-remediation verification.
• Research Studies: Supporting scientific investigations that require reliable, reproducible groundwater data.
• Industrial and Municipal Monitoring: Assisting facility operators and regulatory bodies with periodic groundwater quality monitoring at waste disposal, mining, and industrial sites.

Related Standards

Professionals utilizing ASTM D5903-96(2023) may also reference the following for more specialized guidance:

• ASTM D5717: Guide for design of groundwater monitoring systems in karst and fractured-rock aquifers (especially relevant for sampling springs and non-standard terrains).
• Other ASTM D18 Committee Standards: Covering additional aspects of soil, rock, and vadose zone investigations.

Practical Value

Adopting the systematic approach outlined in ASTM D5903-96(2023) reduces the risk of field errors, incomplete sampling, or regulatory non-compliance. Incorporating standardized planning, detailed equipment checklists, laboratory coordination, and robust field documentation ensures reliable ground water sampling results, supporting sound environmental decision-making.

Keywords: groundwater sampling, monitoring wells, laboratory coordination, field quality control, environmental site assessment, ASTM D5903, sampling preparation, technical checklist

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D5903 − 96 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Guide for
Planning and Preparing for a Groundwater Sampling Event
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5903; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This guide covers planning and preparing for a ground-
D5717 Guide for Design of Ground-Water Monitoring Sys-
water sampling event. It includes technical and administrative
tems in Karst and Fractured-Rock Aquifers (Withdrawn
considerations and procedures. Example checklists are also
2005)
provided as Appendices.
1.2 This guide may not cover every consideration
3. Significance and Use
procedure, or both, that is necessary before all groundwater
3.1 The success of a sampling event is influenced by
sampling projects. In karst or fractured rock terranes, it may be
adequate planning and preparation. Use of this guide will help
appropriate to collect groundwater samples from springs (see
the groundwater sampler to methodically execute the planning
Guide D5717). This guide focuses on sampling of groundwater
and preparation.
from monitoring wells; however, most of the guidance herein
3.2 This guide should be used by a professional or techni-
can apply to the sampling of springs as well.
cian that has training or experience in groundwater sampling.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4. Considerations and Procedures
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.1 Evaluate the scope of the sampling and analysis pro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
gram.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.1.1 Review plans, protocols, and objectives of the sam-
1.4 This guide offers an organized collection of information
pling program and event. The sampler should review the
or a series of options and does not recommend a specific
sampling and analysis plan, site health and safety plan,
course of action. This document cannot replace education or
sampling protocol, and quality assurance/quality control plan,
experience and should be used in conjunction with professional
when available. These documents will provide information on
judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all
required sampling procedures and also should provide the
circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to repre-
information in the following paragraphs.
sent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of
4.1.2 Determine which wells will be sampled. The sampler
a given professional service must be judged, nor should this
should have a map or diagram showing the locations of the
document be applied without consideration of a project’s many
wells to be sampled. Determine if there is a preferred well
unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the title of this
sampling sequence specified in the sampling and analysis plan.
document means only that the document has been approved
4.1.3 Identify the laboratory analyses to be performed on
through the ASTM consensus process.
samples from each well. The analytical requirements are often,
but not always, the same for each well. Determine if there is a
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
preferred order in filling containers based on analytes.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
4.1.4 Identify data to be collected in the field. The sampler
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
must know in advance what types of data must be collected in
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
the field (that is, chemical measurements, water level
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
measurements, etc.) Many samplers use a form to record field
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
data and other observations. The use of a form can help the
1 2
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Rock For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.21 on Groundwater and contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Vadose Zone Investigations. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2023. Published February 2023. Originally the ASTM website.
ɛ1 3
approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as D5903 – 96 (2017) . The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.ast-
DOI: 10.1520/D5903-96R23. m.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5903 − 96 (2023)
sampler to collect and record information in a consistent analyses. This notification allows the laboratory to plan for
manner and can reduce the chance of failure to collect needed adequate equipment and personnel resources to complete the
data.
analyses.
4.1.5 Determine from what depth range within the well the
4.4.2 Determine the volume of sample needed for each
samples will be collected.
analysis.
4.1.6 Evaluate the need for specialized handling of purged
4.4.3 Coordinate the preparation or shipment, or both, of
water and decontamination wastewater. The waters may be
sample containers, preservatives, and shipping containers to
released to the ground surface, discharged to a sanitary or
the site and to the laboratory. The analytical laboratory often
industrial sewer, or containerized and handled as a potentially
supplies the sample containers and preservatives, and some-
hazardous waste. Hazardous wastes will require specialized
times the shipping containers for the return of samples. The
labeling, storage, transportation, and disposal.
project manager or sampler will need to provide the details
4.1.7 Identify all documentation and field quality control
needed to accomplish this. The laboratory will need to know
procedures stipulated in the sampling and analysis plan or
the number of containers and preservatives for each analyte,
quality control plan.
when the containers are needed, whether containers will be
4.2 Review available information.
picked up or shipped, and the address of the location to which
containers/preservatives must be shipped. The laboratory
4.2.1 Review well construction details. The sampler should
know the material of construction, the inside diameter, the should specify any related administrative requirements. The
completion depth, the screened interval, and the cap type and return of samples to the laboratory also must be coordinated.
lock type (if locked). This information is needed to select
The sampler will need to be aware of any special instructions
purging and sampling equipment, and may be needed to select
regarding shipment or receipt of the samples (that is, times
other tools (for example, a strap wrench to remove the cap,
when samples cannot be received, unacceptable shipping
boltcutters or a hack saw to remove damaged locks, or keys for
containers, Department of Transportation restrictions, and
locks).
documentation requirements). The sampler also must have the
4.2.2 Evaluate historical well performance and chemical
address of the laboratory if samples will be shipped.
characteristics of the water from each well, if available. The
4.4.4 When the sampler is also the project manager, the
behavior of the well during past sampling events is useful
methods of analyses and lower reporting limits also must be
information in the planning process. This may include the flow
coordinated with the laboratory. These are chosen based on the
rate in the screened interval, the maximum pumping rate, the
data quality objectives.
time required to purge the well, whether the well is easily
4.4.5 Identify the sample volumes, preparation, and holding
bailed or pumped dry, etc. Knowledge of the past groundwater
time requirements. The sampler should be aware of the total
chemistry and non-aqueous phase liquids in the well also can
volume of water that must be collected from each well. This
be useful. The turbidity of the water may influence sampling
may influence the selection of sampling equipment. The
methods and the need for or approach to filtration of samples.
Use of personal protective equipment also may be dictated by
sampler also should know what will be involved in the
known contamination of the water from a well.
preparation of samples (that is, chemical and physical preser-
4.2.3 Evaluate the physical setting of the well locations. vation). This knowledge is needed to make logistical arrange-
This is necessary to determine the accessibility of the wells. ments. For example, the sampler may need to use an area near
Access could be impeded or difficult due to mud, snow, trees,
the site that has an electrical outlet and a sink if filtration is
fences, steep hills, secured areas, etc. This information will
required. Lastly, the sampler must know if any of the samples
help the sampler determine what type of vehicle is needed,
have a short holding time (maximum allowable time between
whether special tools are needed, or whether administrative
sample collection and preparation or analysis). Collecting
clearances are required, or both.
samples with short holding times could influence the timing or
4.2.4 For wells with dedicated sampling equipment find out
method of sample shipment.
the type of
...