Sampling Methods and Decontamination Technologies
EPA offers several resources utilities can utilize during the remediation process to get information on contaminant characteristics, sampling methods, and water treatment methods/technologies.
Water Contaminant Information Tool (WCIT)
This tool is a secure, on-line database that provides information on chemical, biological and radiological contaminants of concern for water security. The WCIT database includes some contaminants that are not regulated because they are not typically found in water but could cause harm if introduced into a water system. The resource provides contaminant-specific information including potential health impacts, impacts on water utility infrastructure, and potential decontamination methods and techniques
Sampling Guidance for Unknown Contaminants in Drinking Water
The Sampling Guidance for Unknown Contaminants in Drinking Water provides utilities, emergency responders, and laboratories with recommended procedures for conducting routine and baseline monitoring in response to a contamination incident and sampling in support of remediation or decontamination efforts. The guidance covers the collection, storage, preservation, and transport of potentially contaminated water samples and provides recommendations for better supporting the detection and identification of many types of contaminants in drinking water.
Learn about sampling for unknown contaminants in drinking water
Environmental Sampling and Analysis Methods (ESAM)
Selected Analytical Methods for Environmental Remediation and Recovery (SAM) is a listing of analytical methods used when responding to national homeland security related incidents. Analytical methods have been selected for chemical, radiochemical, pathogen and biotoxin analytes of concern for the types of environmental sample matrices that are anticipated in such incidents. This resource could be used when developing or updating a Sampling and Analysis Plan, implementing the Sampling and Analysis Plan, or when identifying and prioritizing sites for remediation.
Visit the ESAM program homepage
EPA Science Models and Research Tools (SMaRT) Search
“EPA’s Science Models and Research Tools (SMaRT) Search is a searchable database that enables free access to detailed information about models, tools, and databases from EPA’s Office of Research and Development (ORD), as well as instructions on how to download and use them.”
Drinking Water Treatability Database (TDB)
The Drinking Water Treatability Database (TDB) presents referenced information on the control of contaminants in drinking water. It allows users to access referenced information gathered from thousands of literature sources on drinking water contaminants and associated drinking water treatment processes. It can be used to identify effective drinking water treatment processes, plan for future treatment plant upgrades, provide information to first responders to spills or emergencies, recognize analysis needs, complement literature reviews and literature searches, and assist regulators in Best Available Technology and Contaminant Candidate List (CCL) decisions.”