Water Resources--Office of Water Quality

9.7 CONTAMINATED WATER

Water being sampled could be contaminated with pathogens and hazardous chemicals. Use caution and extra protection when working with water known or suspected to contain high concentrations of pathogens. Sample containers, shipping containers, and paperwork must indicate the type and severity of the contamination. This alerts personnel to the appropriate personal protective equipment and procedures needed. Communicate known or suspected contamination to all personnel who could come in contact with the sample.

Waterborne, disease-causing organisms (pathogens) are found in nearly all surface-water systems, and occur in some ground-water systems as well. Most pathogens originate from the body fluids and feces of animals and humans. Pathogens enter surface-water resources primarily through sewage discharges and spills, storm and agricultural runoff, and direct contact. Microorganisms also are transported on small particles such as dust or aerosols (gaseous suspension of very fine particles). Pathogens enter ground water through infiltration from septic tank effluent, leachate from fields and ponds, and from faulty well seals and casings. Bacteria, viruses, and other pathogenic organisms can occur in the most pristine environments. Never drink sample water, no matter how pristine the environment appears.

To minimize exposures to and effects from contaminated water:

Receive required inoculations. The USGS immunization program requires inoculations for field personnel working around polluted water (WRD Memorandum 96.29). Employees receive inoculations for waterborne pathogens such as typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis, polio, and rabies at USGS expense. Contact your safety officer about receiving appropriate inoculations before you sample.

Use personal protective equipment, including respiratory equipment (certification required) when working over turbulent, polluted flows, and in shelters containing evidence of excrement (see WRD Memorandums 94.30 and 95.06). Pathogens can enter your body through many openings such as your mouth, eyes, nose, cuts, scrapes, or chapped skin.

Wear rubber boots, coveralls or aprons, gloves, and splash protection (a disposable dust mask offers splash and dust protection at a very low cost).

Do not ingest pathogens or other contaminants. Never eat or drink while sampling or put pencils or other items in your mouth, and do not store food or drink in sample coolers.

Carry antibacterial soap; wash before leaving the site. Remember to wash again after unloading supplies.

Disinfect all contaminated surfaces as soon as possible.

Handle bacteria plates carefully and autoclave them before disposal. An aseptic technique for bacteria enumeration is described in Chapter A7.1 of this National Field Manual.

Section 9.8

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	Receive required inoculations. The USGS immunization program requires inoculations for field personnel working around polluted water (WRD Memorandum 96.29). Employees receive inoculations for waterborne pathogens such as typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis, polio, and rabies at USGS expense. Contact your safety officer about receiving appropriate inoculations before you sample.
	Use personal protective equipment, including respiratory equipment (certification required) when working over turbulent, polluted flows, and in shelters containing evidence of excrement (see WRD Memorandums 94.30 and 95.06). Pathogens can enter your body through many openings such as your mouth, eyes, nose, cuts, scrapes, or chapped skin.
	Wear rubber boots, coveralls or aprons, gloves, and splash protection (a disposable dust mask offers splash and dust protection at a very low cost).
	Do not ingest pathogens or other contaminants. Never eat or drink while sampling or put pencils or other items in your mouth, and do not store food or drink in sample coolers.
	Carry antibacterial soap; wash before leaving the site. Remember to wash again after unloading supplies.
	Disinfect all contaminated surfaces as soon as possible.
	Handle bacteria plates carefully and autoclave them before disposal. An aseptic technique for bacteria enumeration is described in Chapter A7.1 of this National Field Manual.