Chemical Sampling, Monitoring, and Analysis of Drinking Water
Information about drinking water sampling requirements for public water systems.
Sampling
Every public water system (PWS) in Texas must allow for sampling of chemical contaminants. Unlike sampling for lead and copper, water quality parameters, microbial (coliform and E. coli), and disinfectant residuals - TCEQ uses contractors to collect chemical samples. Samples collected by contractors include asbestos, arsenic, disinfection byproducts, minerals, metals, nitrate, nitrite, radionuclides, Synthetic Organic Compounds (SOCs), and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
The contractors use the information in Drinking Water Watch to contact PWS staff to schedule an appointment, so it is important this information is up to date. If contact or facility information needs to be updated, email PWSInven@tceq.texas.gov. Instructions for Texas Drinking Water Watch tell you where to find contact information, sample schedules, violations, and sample results for public water systems.
Monitoring - Quantity and Frequency
The number of samples and monitoring frequency is determined by:
- Public water system type
- Community (C)
- Nontransient, noncommunity (NTNC)
- Transient, noncommunity (TNC)
- Population of the water system based on the most recent regional investigation
- Source water type
- Surface water
- Ground water
- Purchased water
- Source water assessments for regulated chemicals
- Previous sample results
- New rules can change sampling requirements for water systems
- When facilities are activated or deactivated
Chemical sampling requirements can be found in Standards and Reporting Requirements for Public Water Systems. To budget for chemical analysis costs use Calculating Your Annual Cost of Chemical Compliance Sampling.
If you have questions about your sample schedule contact the Drinking Water Quality Team at PWSChem@tceq.texas.gov or (512) 239-4691.
Analysis of Chemical Samples
Chemical samples are analyzed by laboratories at the Department of State Health Services or Lower Colorado River Authority . Asbestos samples are analyzed by laboratories specified by the Public Water System Supervision Program (PWSSP).
Monitoring for Lead and Copper and Microbial Samples
Visit Lead and Copper, Revised Total Coliform Rule, and Groundwater Rule for sampling information.
Assistance and Helpful Links
TCEQ's Financial, Managerial, and Technical (FMT) Assistance program offers free financial, managerial, and technical assistance to help public water and wastewater systems comply with regulations.