Ohio Water Microbiology Lab
Research Topics
Internal Information
Ohio Water Science Center
USGS In Your State
USGS Water Science Centers are located in each state.
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OWML: QA/QC
Quality Assurance/Quality Control Manual: Ohio Water Microbiology Laboratory
INTRODUCTION
The USGS Ohio Water Microbiology Laboratory (the OWML)
provides analytical data for projects within the Ohio Water Science Center, for
the USGS National Water Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program, and for other USGS
Water Science Center programs by request. Samples are collected to determine the
presence of microbiological organisms of public health significance in ground
waters, surface waters, and sediments for a variety of study objectives. For
example, some local studies are done to judge compliance with standards for
protection of public health in swimmable or drinkable waters. Other studies
investigate the occurrence, distribution, and trends of pathogenic organisms and
indicators in surface and ground waters and relate these to environmental and
water-quality factors.
The OWML fulfills analytical requirements of the WRD by analyzing environmental
samples for bacterial indicators, coliphage, Actinomycetes, Cryptosporidium,
enteric viruses, and microbial source-tracking (MST) markers. OWML personnel
provide assistance for project planning and training, as well as sampling and
analytical methods for these organisms. The OWML continuously updates and adds
analytical methods and microorganisms to its analytical list. The OWML is
involved in some method development at the present time; however, the OWML
mostly tests new methods developed by others for applicability to ambient
monitoring programs.
The OWML is committed to providing quality microbiological analytical services
to the USGS. The quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) program is designed
to ensure the production of scientifically sound, legally defensible data of
known and documented quality. The effectiveness of this program relies on
clearly defined objectives, well-documented procedures, and management support.
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