ASTM D6089-19(2023)
(Guide)Standard Guide for Documenting a Groundwater Sampling Event
Standard Guide for Documenting a Groundwater Sampling Event
ABSTRACT
This guide covers what and how information should be recorded in the field when sampling a ground-water monitoring well. This guide is limited to written documentation of a ground-water sampling event. When sampling ground-water monitoring wells, it is very important to thoroughly document all field activities. It is important to record procedures used and measurements immediately after they have been accomplished and are fresh in the memory. The format of the documentation is discretionary, but should be consistent from well to well and in accordance with regulatory requirements.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 When sampling groundwater monitoring wells, it is very important to thoroughly document all field activities. Sufficient field data should be retained to allow one to reconstruct the procedures and conditions that may have affected the integrity of a sample. The field data generated are vital to the interpretation of the chemical data obtained from laboratory analyses of samples. Field data and observations may also be useful to analytical laboratory personnel.
4.2 Due to the changing nature of regulations and other information, users are advised to thoroughly research requirements related to packaging and shipping prior to initiating a sampling event.
Note 1: The sampling of an individual groundwater monitoring well should be repeated as closely as possible each time the monitoring well is sampled. This reduces the variability of the chemical parameters due to sampling variability which is the desired result. The intent is to detect the change in chemistry by repeating the sampling protocol at each individual well. This does not mean that all the wells are sampled the same way, nor does it prohibit changes in the sampling protocol, provided they are planned and documented.
Note 2: The quality of the results produced by this standard is dependent on the competence of personnel performing it, and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers what and how information should be recorded in the field when sampling a groundwater monitoring well. Following these recommendations will provide adequate documentation in most monitoring programs. In some situations, it may be necessary to record additional or different information, or both, to thoroughly document the sampling event. In other cases, it may not be necessary to record all of the information recommended in this guide. The level of documentation will be based on site-specific conditions and regulatory requirements.
1.2 This guide is limited to written documentation of a groundwater sampling event. Other methods of documentation (that is, electronic and audiovisual) can be used but are not addressed in this guide. The specific activities addressed in this guide include documentation of static water level measurement, monitoring well purging, monitoring well sampling, field measurements, groundwater sample preparation, and groundwater sample shipment.
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 appli...
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-Oct-2023
- Technical Committee
- D18 - Soil and Rock
- Drafting Committee
- D18.21 - Groundwater and Vadose Zone Investigations
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
- Referred By
ASTM D6771-21 - Standard Practice for Low-Flow Purging and Sampling Used for Groundwater Monitoring - Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
- Referred By
ASTM D7069-04(2015) - Standard Guide for Field Quality Assurance in a Groundwater Sampling Event - Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
Overview
ASTM D6089-19(2023), titled Standard Guide for Documenting a Groundwater Sampling Event, is a comprehensive standard developed by ASTM International. The guide outlines essential recommendations for written field documentation during the sampling of groundwater monitoring wells. Thorough and consistent recordkeeping as described in this standard is critical to maintaining data integrity, supporting regulatory compliance, and ensuring reliable evaluation of groundwater quality.
This guide applies specifically to written documentation of field activities, procedures, and measurements performed during groundwater sampling. While electronic or audiovisual documentation is not addressed, written records remain the foundation for most regulatory and programmatic needs. The standard places emphasis on clear, immediate, and consistent reporting, accommodating site-specific and regulatory variations.
Key Topics
Essential Field Documentation
- General Site Details: Record facility and site name, well identification, weather conditions, sampling team members, and calibration details for instruments.
- Static Water Level Measurement: Document the depth to water from a designated reference point, measurement units, method and equipment used, and date and time.
- Well Purging Operations: Accurately record purging method, calculated purge volume, volume removed, pumping rate, equipment used, purging duration, water appearance before and after purging, and water management practices.
- Well Sampling Procedures: List types of analytes, order of sample collection, container details, collection equipment, sampling date and time, and any field observations or issues encountered.
- Field Measurements: Capture all field metrics, instrument calibration details, and timing of readings.
Chain of Custody and Sample Integrity
- Maintain robust chain of custody records for all samples, explicitly documenting every transfer and handling step.
- Label all samples with critical information such as identification number, collector’s name, date/time, site details, and applicable preservation methods.
Sample Preparation, Labeling, and Shipping
- Provide full details on sample preparation methods, chemical preservatives used, and storage/shipment conditions.
- Follow regulatory and shipping requirements to ensure sample integrity and transport safety.
- Attach analytical request forms, shipping documentation, and other supporting paperwork as mandated.
Consistency and Variability Management
- Repeat sampling protocols at individual monitoring wells as closely as possible for each event, reducing analytical variability.
- Document deviations from the sampling plan and note any changes in field conditions or procedures.
Applications
The ASTM D6089-19(2023) standard is utilized across multiple sectors engaged in groundwater monitoring and environmental site assessment, including:
- Environmental consulting firms documenting groundwater sampling events for regulatory compliance and data validation.
- Industrial and municipal site operators responsible for ongoing groundwater monitoring programs.
- Analytical laboratories using field records to interpret laboratory results and ensure validity.
- Government agencies overseeing site remediation, hazardous waste monitoring, and permitting processes.
By following this guide, organizations can:
- Enhance the reliability and reproducibility of groundwater quality data.
- Facilitate regulatory reporting and audits.
- Support robust data interpretation and defensibility in scientific and legal settings.
Related Standards
For comprehensive groundwater sampling and documentation, the following ASTM standards are closely related:
- ASTM D3740: Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction.
- ASTM D5088: Practice for Decontamination of Field Equipment Used at Waste Sites.
- ASTM D5608: Practices for Decontamination of Sampling and Non-Sample Contacting Equipment Used at Low Level Radioactive Waste Sites.
- ASTM D5903: Guide for Planning and Preparing for a Groundwater Sampling Event.
- ASTM D653: Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids.
Keywords: groundwater sampling, field documentation, monitoring well, chain of custody, ASTM D6089, environmental compliance, sample integrity, field measurements, laboratory data quality.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D6089-19(2023) is a guide published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Guide for Documenting a Groundwater Sampling Event". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This guide covers what and how information should be recorded in the field when sampling a ground-water monitoring well. This guide is limited to written documentation of a ground-water sampling event. When sampling ground-water monitoring wells, it is very important to thoroughly document all field activities. It is important to record procedures used and measurements immediately after they have been accomplished and are fresh in the memory. The format of the documentation is discretionary, but should be consistent from well to well and in accordance with regulatory requirements. SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 When sampling groundwater monitoring wells, it is very important to thoroughly document all field activities. Sufficient field data should be retained to allow one to reconstruct the procedures and conditions that may have affected the integrity of a sample. The field data generated are vital to the interpretation of the chemical data obtained from laboratory analyses of samples. Field data and observations may also be useful to analytical laboratory personnel. 4.2 Due to the changing nature of regulations and other information, users are advised to thoroughly research requirements related to packaging and shipping prior to initiating a sampling event. Note 1: The sampling of an individual groundwater monitoring well should be repeated as closely as possible each time the monitoring well is sampled. This reduces the variability of the chemical parameters due to sampling variability which is the desired result. The intent is to detect the change in chemistry by repeating the sampling protocol at each individual well. This does not mean that all the wells are sampled the same way, nor does it prohibit changes in the sampling protocol, provided they are planned and documented. Note 2: The quality of the results produced by this standard is dependent on the competence of personnel performing it, and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors. SCOPE 1.1 This guide covers what and how information should be recorded in the field when sampling a groundwater monitoring well. Following these recommendations will provide adequate documentation in most monitoring programs. In some situations, it may be necessary to record additional or different information, or both, to thoroughly document the sampling event. In other cases, it may not be necessary to record all of the information recommended in this guide. The level of documentation will be based on site-specific conditions and regulatory requirements. 1.2 This guide is limited to written documentation of a groundwater sampling event. Other methods of documentation (that is, electronic and audiovisual) can be used but are not addressed in this guide. The specific activities addressed in this guide include documentation of static water level measurement, monitoring well purging, monitoring well sampling, field measurements, groundwater sample preparation, and groundwater sample shipment. 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 appli...
ABSTRACT This guide covers what and how information should be recorded in the field when sampling a ground-water monitoring well. This guide is limited to written documentation of a ground-water sampling event. When sampling ground-water monitoring wells, it is very important to thoroughly document all field activities. It is important to record procedures used and measurements immediately after they have been accomplished and are fresh in the memory. The format of the documentation is discretionary, but should be consistent from well to well and in accordance with regulatory requirements. SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 When sampling groundwater monitoring wells, it is very important to thoroughly document all field activities. Sufficient field data should be retained to allow one to reconstruct the procedures and conditions that may have affected the integrity of a sample. The field data generated are vital to the interpretation of the chemical data obtained from laboratory analyses of samples. Field data and observations may also be useful to analytical laboratory personnel. 4.2 Due to the changing nature of regulations and other information, users are advised to thoroughly research requirements related to packaging and shipping prior to initiating a sampling event. Note 1: The sampling of an individual groundwater monitoring well should be repeated as closely as possible each time the monitoring well is sampled. This reduces the variability of the chemical parameters due to sampling variability which is the desired result. The intent is to detect the change in chemistry by repeating the sampling protocol at each individual well. This does not mean that all the wells are sampled the same way, nor does it prohibit changes in the sampling protocol, provided they are planned and documented. Note 2: The quality of the results produced by this standard is dependent on the competence of personnel performing it, and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors. SCOPE 1.1 This guide covers what and how information should be recorded in the field when sampling a groundwater monitoring well. Following these recommendations will provide adequate documentation in most monitoring programs. In some situations, it may be necessary to record additional or different information, or both, to thoroughly document the sampling event. In other cases, it may not be necessary to record all of the information recommended in this guide. The level of documentation will be based on site-specific conditions and regulatory requirements. 1.2 This guide is limited to written documentation of a groundwater sampling event. Other methods of documentation (that is, electronic and audiovisual) can be used but are not addressed in this guide. The specific activities addressed in this guide include documentation of static water level measurement, monitoring well purging, monitoring well sampling, field measurements, groundwater sample preparation, and groundwater sample shipment. 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 appli...
ASTM D6089-19(2023) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 13.060.10 - Water of natural resources. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM D6089-19(2023) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D6089-19, ASTM D3740-23, ASTM D3740-19, ASTM D4448-01(2019), ASTM D6911-15, ASTM D6001/D6001M-20, ASTM D6771-21, ASTM D7929-20, ASTM D8456-22, ASTM D6452-18(2023), ASTM D6517-18(2023), ASTM D6564/D6564M-17, ASTM D8083-16(2023), ASTM D7069-04(2015). Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM D6089-19(2023) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
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: D6089 − 19 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Guide for
Documenting a Groundwater Sampling Event
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6089; 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* 1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.1 This guide covers what and how information should be
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
recorded in the field when sampling a groundwater monitoring
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
well. Following these recommendations will provide adequate
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
documentation in most monitoring programs. In some
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
situations, it may be necessary to record additional or different
information, or both, to thoroughly document the sampling
2. Referenced Documents
event. In other cases, it may not be necessary to record all of
2.1 ASTM Standards:
the information recommended in this guide. The level of
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
documentation will be based on site-specific conditions and
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
regulatory requirements.
Used in Engineering Design and Construction
1.2 This guide is limited to written documentation of a
D5088 Practice for Decontamination of Field Equipment
groundwater sampling event. Other methods of documentation
Used at Waste Sites
(that is, electronic and audiovisual) can be used but are not
D5608 Practices for Decontamination of Sampling and Non
addressed in this guide. The specific activities addressed in this
Sample Contacting Equipment Used at Low Level Radio-
guide include documentation of static water level
active Waste Sites
measurement, monitoring well purging, monitoring well
D5903 Guide for Planning and Preparing for a Groundwater
sampling, field measurements, groundwater sample
Sampling Event
preparation, and groundwater sample shipment.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the 3. Terminology
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this guide,
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
refer to Terminology D653.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.2.1 chain of custody—the process of maintaining account-
1.4 This guide offers an organized collection of information
ability of the samples for the purpose of identifying potential
or a series of options and does not recommend a specific
breaches in sample integrity.
course of action. This document cannot replace education or
3.2.2 chain of custody record—a record of all individuals
experience and should be used in conjunction with professional
judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all who possess the samples from the time of collection until
analysis.
circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to repre-
sent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of
4. Significance and Use
a given professional service must be judged, nor should this
document be applied without consideration of a project’s many
4.1 When sampling groundwater monitoring wells, it is very
unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the title of this
important to thoroughly document all field activities. Sufficient
document means only that the document has been approved
field data should be retained to allow one to reconstruct the
through the ASTM consensus process.
procedures and conditions that may have affected the integrity
of a sample. The field data generated are vital to the interpre-
tation of the chemical data obtained from laboratory analyses
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Rock
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.21 on Groundwater and
Vadose Zone Investigations. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2023. Published November 2023. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1997. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as D6089 – 19. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D6089-19R23. the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6089 − 19 (2023)
of samples. Field data and observations may also be useful to 6.2.2 Record the reference point from which the measure-
analytical laboratory personnel. ment was taken (that is, ground surface, top of well casing, top
of protective casing).
4.2 Due to the changing nature of regulations and other
6.2.3 Document the presence and estimated thickness of an
information, users are advised to thoroughly research require-
immiscible layer.
ments related to packaging and shipping prior to initiating a
6.2.4 Record the total depth of the well from either histori-
sampling event.
cal records or actual measurement.
NOTE 1—The sampling of an individual groundwater monitoring well
6.2.5 Record the units of the measurement (that is, feet or
should be repeated as closely as possible each time the monitoring well is
metres).
sampled. This reduces the variability of the chemical parameters due to
sampling variability which is the desired result. The intent is to detect the
6.2.6 Record the method or equipment (include serial num-
change in chemistry by repeating the sampling protocol at each individual
ber) used for measuring the depth to water in the well.
well. This does not mean that all the wells are sampled the same way, nor
6.2.7 Record the date and time that the water level is
does it prohibit changes in the sampling protocol, provided they are
measured.
planned and documented.
NOTE 2—The quality of the results produced by this standard is
6.2.8 Record any other relevant information (for example,
dependent on the competence of personnel performing it, and the
were any nearby wells being pumped).
suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the
criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent
6.3 Monitoring Well Purging:
and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are
6.3.1 Briefly describe the purging method used.
cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure
6.3.2 Record the calculated purge volume (if applicable).
reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740
provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
6.3.3 Record the volume of water removed from the well.
Indicate if the well was purged to dryness.
5. Documentation Methods
6.3.4 Record all measurements taken during purging (that
5.1 Field records should be generated by a member of the
is, water levels,
...
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