Office of Water Quality Intranet
ATTENTIONPlease update your bookmarks! The new centralized WMA page for Quality Assurance and Science Best Practices is https://sites.google.com/a/usgs.gov/wma-wiki/resources/bestpractices Water Quality Information (WaQI) NotesWater Quality Information (WaQI) Notes provide information and guidance to individuals involved in water-quality work. These Notes are distributed via e-mail to all Water Mission Area employees. If you are not in the Water Mission Area and are interested in receiving future OWQ WaQI Notes via e-mail, please send your e-mail address to Nana Frye (nlfrye@usgs.gov). If you have suggestions for WaQI Note topics, please e-mail them to Donna Myers (dnmyers@usgs.gov). Browse WaQI NotesBrowse the WaQI Notes by fiscal year:
FY2017WaQI Note 2017.05: Office of Water Quality Internal Homepage Being Discontinued [ 32K PDF] FY2016WaQI Note 2016.06 -- Avoid Late Sample Delivery of Chilled Samples [ 41K PDF] WaQI Note 2016.04 -- OWQ Web Page: Guidance for Accepting Furnished Water-Quality Records [ 49K PDF] WaQI Note 2016.02 -- Field Measurements Required for Carbon 14 Analysis [ 36K PDF] WaQI Note 2016.01 -- Availability of the Water Quality Review Application [100KB PDF] FY2015WaQI Note 2015.11 -- Release of QWDX/SedLOGIN Version 1.8 [85KB PDF] WaQI Note 2015.06 -- Follow-up guidance for coding samples that exceed 500 results [65KB PDF] WaQI Note 2015.05 -- NWIS Parameter Code Names: Special Characters and Italics [30KB PDF] WaQI Note 2015.04 -- Low-level detections in high capacity capsule filters [120KB PDF] WaQI Note 2015.03 -- Field Supplies Contamination -- Sulfuric Acid Preservative [45KB PDF] WaQI Note 2015.02 -- Training -- Water-Quality Principles (QW1022) registration dates [90KB PDF] WaQI Note 2015.01 -- Release of BioData Version 4.0 [50KB PDF] FY2014WaQI Note 2014.07 -- Inspection and rinse protocol for high-capacity capsule filters [35KB PDF] FY2013WaQI2013.08 [35KB PDF] — Revision and publication of Chapter A6, Section 6.2 "Dissolved Oxygen," of the National Field Manual for the Collection of Water-Quality Samples WaQI2013.07 [35KB PDF] — Spike Calculator Updated for Use with NWIS 5.1 WaQI2013.06 [40KB PDF] — New Online OWQ Water-Quality Events Calendar WaQI2013.05 [40KB PDF] — Scientific Investigation Report on Bias and Precision in Total Nitrogen Methods WaQI2013.04 [45KB PDF] — Training – Water-Quality Principles (QW1022): Registration Open for Jan. 2013 Class WaQI2013.03 [25KB PDF] — One-Stop Shopping Portal Closed December 3-7, 2012 WaQI2013.02 [55KB PDF] — Field Methods — Large volume specific conductance calibration standards WaQI2013.01 [35KB PDF] — Revised Arsenic and Alkalinity sections of the National Field Manual FY2012WaQI2012.10 [35KB PDF] — Field Methods — Equipment Exchange WaQI2012.09 [70KB PDF] — Release of QWDX/SedLOGIN Version 1.6 WaQI2012.08 [45KB PDF] — New Water-Quality Portal Provides Access to Over 150 million Water-Quality Data Records WaQI2012.07 [40KB PDF] — Field Methods — Release of Personal Computer Field Forms (PCFF) 7.0 software WaQI2012.06 [55KB PDF] — Ad-Hoc Group for Important Components of Optical Sensor Use and Operation WaQI2012.05 [80KB PDF] — Terms of New USGS tritium/helium-3 Contract WaQI2012.04 [115KB PDF] — Revised Health-Based Screening Levels available WaQI2012.03 [60KB PDF] — Release of Version 2-1 of DOSAT Program for Computing Dissolved-Oxygen Percent Saturation for Import into NWIS WaQI2012.02 [70KB PDF] —Training – Update on FY 2012 Registration for Water-Quality Principles (QW1022-TEL) WaQI2012.01 [210KB PDF] — Training – Availability of Web-based Course on Water-Quality Principles (QW1022-TEL) with attachment [25KB DOCX] FY2011WaQI2011.06 [220KB PDF] — Changes in the Reston Chlorofluorocarbon Lab Processes for Data Transmittal to Customers WaQI2011.05 [100KB PDF] — Status of USGS tritium/helium-3 contract WaQI 2011.04 [35KB PDF] — Release of New Version of DOTABLES for Computation of Oxygen Solubility WaQI 2011.03 [35KB PDF] — QWDATA enhancements for the preparation of water-quality tables WaQI 2011.02 NWIS [128KB PDF] — Release of QWDX/SedLOGIN Version 1.5 WaQI 2011.01 NWIS [50KB PDF] — Redefinition of units for selected mass per unit mass parameters (with attachment [110KB TXT]) FY2010WaQI 2010.08 Field Methods [100KB PDF] — Release of Personal Computer Field Forms (PCFF) 6.1f Patch WaQI 2010.07 Software [91KB PDF] — Laboratory Evaluation Program LabTrackr Version 1.0 WaQI 2010.07 Software [91KB PDF] — Laboratory Evaluation Program LabTrackr Version 1.0 WaQI 2010.06 Software [87KB PDF] — Spike Calculator Release for General Use WaQI 2010.05 NWIS [120KB PDF] — Data reload of glyphosate, aminomethylphosphonic (AMPA), and glufosinate data to an updated method code for data from October 24, 2006 to present WaQI 2010.04 NWIS [124KB PDF] — Guidance for batch loading of water-quality data between multiple NWIS hosts WaQI 2010.03 Field Methods [106KB PDF] — Release of Personal Computer Field Forms (PCFF) 6.1e update WaQI 2010.02 NWIS [120KB PDF] — Guidance for coding data from tracer studies WaQI 2010.01 Field Methods [20KB PDF] — Field Forms for surface-water quality and groundwater quality FY2009WaQI 2009.11 Field Methods [25KB PDF] — Cobalt Detected in Pall Versapor® Capsule Filters, Lot #FQ8545 WaQI 2009.10 Field Methods [20KB PDF] — Interim announcement for change in capsule-filter type, supplier, and instructions for use WaQI 2009.09 Software [20KB PDF] — Spike calculator, a tool in development for the evaluation of quality-control spike sample results WaQI 2009.08 Field Methods [35KB PDF] — Release of personal computer field forms (PCFF) 6.1d update WaQI 2009.07 NWIS [40KB PDF] — Disabling of data entry for four parameter codes related to alkalinity and acid-neutralizing capacity in the National Water Information System WaQI 2009.06 Field Methods [35KB PDF] — Capsule-filter supply plans and revisions of use and rinse procedures for Whatman lot no. S523 capsule filters WaQI 2009.05 Publications [30KB PDF] — Water-Quality National Data Summaries WaQI 2009.04 Field Methods [25KB PDF] — NFM 7.5 Cyanobacteria in lakes and reservoirs: toxin and taste-and-odor sampling guidelines WaQI 2009.03 Field Methods [25KB PDF] — Clarification of capsule filter rinse procedures WaQI 2009.02 Field Methods [30KB PDF] — Update on the availability and use of Whatman capsule filters WaQI 2009.01 Field Methods [25KB PDF] — Availability and use of capsule filters FY2008WaQI 2008.14 National Water Information System (NWIS) [50KB PDF] — Updates to the QW-data Transfer System (QWDX) — Version 1.2, and implications for users and laboraotries WaQI 2008.13 Field Methods [20KB PDF] — Discontinue use of Whatman capsule filters for dissolved organic carbon (DOC) WaQI 2008.12 Field Methods [30KB PDF] — Personal Computer Field Forms (PCFF) 6.1c Reference List Update WaQI 2008.11 Publications [30KB PDF] — New publication in USGS Techniques and Methods WaQI 2008.10 Field Supplies [35KB PDF] — Voluntary recall of Ricca pH buffers WaQI 2008.09 Field Methods [25KB PDF] — Release of Personal Computer Field Forms (PCFF) 6.1c Update WaQI 2008.08 Field Methods [20KB PDF] — Zip folder containing the NFM and correction to Chapter 6.8 "Use of Multiparameter Instruments" WaQI 2008.07 Field Methods [20KB PDF] — NFM Section 6.8, Use of multiparameter instruments for routine field measurements WaQI 2008.06 Software [20KB PDF] — new LOADEST web page WaQI 2008.05 Field Methods [20KB PDF] — Correction to NFM, Chapter 6.6, ANC and Alkalinity WaQI 2008.04 Field Methods [25KB PDF] — Availability of information on storing turbidity data WaQI 2008.03 Field Methods [25KB PDF] — NFM Chapter 7.4 - Algal Biomass Indicators now available WaQI 2008.02 Field Methods [45KB PDF] — Release of Personal Computer Field Forms (PCFF) Version 6.1 WaQI 2008.01 Field Methods [35KB PDF] — Inorganic blank water contamination (corrected) FY2007WaQI 2007.15 Field Methods [25KB PDF] — PCFF update for NWIS 4.7 WaQI 2007.14 Field Methods [25KB PDF] — Availability of National Field Manual (NFM) revisions WaQI 2007.13 Field Methods [40KB PDF] — Release of Personal Computer Field Forms (PCFF) 6.0a update WaQI 2007.12 National Water Information System (NWIS) [25KB PDF] — Announcement of updated version of QW-data Transfer System (QWDX) - Version 1.1 WaQI 2007.11 Field Methods [25KB PDF] — National Field Manual for the Collection of Water-Quality Data revisions, updates, and additions WaQI 2007.10 Field Methods [60KB PDF] — Availability of meter calibration logbooks WaQI 2007.09 Guidance [20KB PDF] — Availability of updated guidance for development of Water Science Center Water-Quality Flood Plans WaQI 2007.08 National Water Information System (NWIS) [25KB PDF] — Announcement of availability of QW-data Transfer System (QWDX) WaQI 2007.07 Field Methods [25KB PDF] — Personal Computer Field Forms (PCFF) Reference List Update WaQI 2007.06 Field Methods [35KB PDF] — Personal Computer Field Forms (PCFF) Reference List Update WaQI 2007.05 Field Methods [45KB PDF] — Release of personal computer field forms (PCFF) version 6.0 WaQI 2007.04 Field Methods [30KB PDF] — Dechlorination reagent for organic compounds tested resulting in new preservative requirements for water samples containing residual chlorine WaQI 2007.03 Annual Data Report [25KB PDF] — Publication of value qualifiers WaQI 2007.02 Water-Quality Data [30KB PDF] — Potential Human-Health Relevance and attachment [250KB PDF]) WaQI 2007.01 Field Methods [25KB PDF] — Field forms for surface-water quality, ground-water quality, microbiology, and water-quality monitors FY2006WaQI 2006.15 Field Methods [20KB PDF] — Sample bottles now available on One-Stop Shopping for Carbon-14, CFC, and SF WaQI 2006.14 Software [20KB PDF] — Public release of the SPARROW model documentation and software WaQI 2006.13 Field Methods [35KB PDF] — Release of personal computer field forms (PCFF) version 5.2.1.a WaQI 2006.12 Field Methods - Microbiology [KB PDF] — Guidance for use of defined-substrate media and methods (Colilert, Enterolert, and related tests) for microbiological monitoring WaQI 2006.11 Field Methods [30KB PDF] — Discontinuance of "Universal" blank water WaQI 2006.10 Field Methods [35KB PDF] — Release of personal computer field forms (PCFF) Version 5.2.1 WaQI 2006.09 Field Methods [20KB PDF] — CFC and SF WaQI 2006.08 Field Methods [20KB PDF] — Disposable gloves from One-Stop Shopping WaQI 2006.07 Field Methods [20KB PDF] — Revised "Guidelines and Standard Procedures for Continuous Water-Quality Monitors" is now available WaQI 2006.06 Field Methods [30KB PDF] — Microbiology--source for pre-poured plates that fit in aluminum-block field incubators WaQI 2006.05 Field Methods [30KB PDF] — Expiration dates for 1-liter bottles of pH buffer WaQI 2006.04 Field Methods [30KB PDF] — Field forms for surface-water quality, ground-water quality, microbiology, and water-quality monitors WaQI 2006.03 Field Supplies [50KB PDF] — New NFSS pricing model WaQI 2006.02 Publications--New [17KB PDF] — Techniques and Methods Book 2, Section A, Chapter 3: "Selection and Application of Microbial Source Tracking Tools for Water-Quality Investigations" by Donald M. Stoeckel WaQI 2006.01 Field Methods [85KB PDF] — Specific Conductance Standards and Attachment [25KB XLS] FY2005WaQI 2005.15 Field Methods [25KB PDF] — Revised "Dissolved Oxygen" section of the National Field Manaul and other NFM updates WaQI 2005.14 Field Methods [25KB PDF] — Correction to OWQ Tech Memo 2005.02 "Guidance for Microbiological Monitoring and Commercial Sources of Microbiological Media" WaQI 2005.13 Field Methods [30KB PDF] — Release of Personal Computer Field Forms (PCFF) Version 5.2 PATCH WaQI 2005.12 Field Methods [30KB PDF] — Alternative for mosquito repellents containing DEET WaQI 2005.11 Software [30KB PDF] — Release of LOAD ESTimator library for S-Plus (S-LOADEST) documentation and software WaQI 2005.10 Field Methods [25KB PDF] — OWQ "Methods" Web Page Includes Links to Stream Tracer Injection Studies WaQI 2005.09 Field Methods [40KB PDF] — Release of Personal Computer Field Forms (PCFF) Version 5.2 WaQI 2005.08 Field Methods [265KB PDF] — New 1-liter GCC bottle (Q27FLD) WaQI 2005.07 Field Methods [135KB PDF] — Spigot replacement procedures for the plastic churn splitter and Attachment [105KB PDF] WaQI 2005.06 Software [KB PDF] — Release of LOAD ESTimator (LOADEST) documentation and software and Attachment [30KB PDF] WaQI 2005.05 Definitions [20KB PDF] — Correction to the dissolved-solids concentration definition used in the annual water-data report WaQI 2005.04 Field Methods [30KB PDF] — Field forms for SW and GW quality, microbiology, and WQ monitors WaQI 2005.03 Field Methods [35KB PDF] — Buffered water for microbiology work WaQI 2005.02 Field Methods [30KB PDF] — Hach Company cartridge correction factor WaQI 2005.01 Field Methods [35KB PDF] — Changes/updates to the National Field Manual FY2004WaQI 2004.14a Field Methods [20KB PDF] — Corrections to the National Field Manual zip file dated July 2004 WaQI 2004.14 Field Methods [20KB PDF] — Availability of zip file of current National Field Manual chapters WaQI 2004.13 Field Methods [35KB PDF] — Working in contaminated waters and submission of samples WaQI 2004.12 Field Methods [30KB PDF] — Turbidity protocol WaQI 2004.11 Quality Assurance [25KB PDF] — Organic Blind Sample Program time series charts WaQI 2004.10 Field Methods [45KB PDF] — Official release of Personal Computer Field Forms (PCFF) Version 5.0. (NOTE: Open Adobe Reader before opening the attachment (thumbtack) at the bottom of the note.) WaQI 2004.09 Field Methods [25KB PDF] — Calibration thermometers WaQI 2004.08 Field Methods [35KB PDF] — Low-capacity disposable filter available for purchase WaQI 2004.07 Field Methods [40KB PDF] — Low-capacity disposable filter available soon WaQI 2004.06 Shipping [30KB PDF] — Provides information on shipping formalin/formaldehyde-preserved samples WaQI 2004.05 Microbiology [115KB PDF] — Provides information on commercial sources of modified mTEC and MI media for use in NAWQA and other USGS programs WaQI 2004.04 Research Methods [40KB PDF] — Guidance for water-quality studies using research (unapproved) methods WaQI 2004.03 Microbiology [30KB PDF] — Inform public water suppliers and domestic well owners on the microbiological quality of drinking water supplied from ground water WaQI 2004.02 Field Methods [20KB PDF] — Field forms for continuous water-quality monitors WaQI 2004.01 Field Methods [25KB PDF] — Field forms for surface water, ground water, and microbiology FY2003WaQI 2003.06 Nitrogen Isotope Samples [90KB PDF] — Change in laboratory and procedures for submitting samples WaQI 2003.05 Field forms [75KB PDF] — Field Methods - Revised field forms are available (This Note is superseded by WaQI 2004.01) WaQI 2003.04 Gloves [80KB PDF] — Field Methods - Disposable gloves for water-quality field work WaQI 2003.03 NFM [70KB PDF] — National Field Manual - Field manual section on sampling for wastewater, pharmaceutical, and antibiotic compounds WaQI 2003.02 Methanol [70KB PDF]- Methanol rinse is currently part of the standard protocol for cleaning equipment that contacts samples for analysis of anthropogenic organic compounds. WaQI 2003.01 Microbiology [135KB PDF] — results of studies to compare analytical methods for indicator bacteria and coliphage sample analysis in ground water and surface water and recommendations for USGS-WRD programs and projects. Technical MemorandaNew and updated policies will continue to be released as Water-Quality Technical Memoranda. Approval Memos for Analytical MethodsOWQ approval memos for water-quality analytical methods are available online. Note: Some or all of this information is presented in Portable Document Format (PDF); the latest version of Adobe Reader or similar software is required to view it. Download the latest version of the free Adobe Reader from the Adobe web site. Visit http://www.adobe.com/accessibility/ for free tools that allow visually impaired users to read PDF files. |
