QUALITY OF WATER BRANCH TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM NO 77.06


                                              February 10, 1977


QUALITY OF WATER BRANCH TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM NO 77.06

Subject: PUBLICATIONS: "Methods for Determination of Radioactive 
         Substances in Water and Fluvial Sediments" by L. L. 
         Thatcher, V, J. Janzer, and K. W. Edwards (Techniques of 
         Water-Resources Investigations, Book 5, Chapter A5, 
         1977).

It is with pleasure that I announce the availability of the 
subject manual prepared by L. L. Thatcher, V. J. Janzer, and K. W. 
Edwards. It represents a long-needed addition to the series of 
manuals documenting the methods used by the Geological Survey to 
determine water-quality characteristics.  The report includes for 
each analytical method a description of limits of application of 
the method, a brief summary of the method, interferences, required 
apparatus and reagents, analytical procedures, calculations, 
reporting of results, and information on precision of tile method. 
Techniques for the collection and preservation of water samples to 
be analyzeed for radioactivity are discussed briefly.

Publication of the manual in loose-leaf format marks a milestone 
in the Techniques of Water Resources Investigation series. The 
format is designed to permit flexibility in revision and 
publication on the basis of need.  Periodic supplements will be 
prepared as frequently as every 6 months and distributed to all 
purchasers of the manual or persons on the WRD distribution list 
to receive the manual. Reprinting of the manual will be undertaken 
at intervals of about three years.

Copies of the TWRI are being distributed to all district offices, 
subdistrict offices, and field headquarters of the Water Resources 
Division. Additional copies can be obtained by written request to 
the Chief, Publications Unit (Mail Stop 435, Reston, Virginia 
22092). Written requests should include the names and addresses of 
individuals that will receive copies of the manual, so that the 
individuals will be assured o# receiving all supplements. Loose-
leaf manuals will not be available from sources other than the 
Publications Unit or the Government Printing Office.



                       R. J. Pickering
                       Chief, Quality of Water Branch

WRD Distribution: A,B,S,FO,PO