ABSTRACT
In this chapter on groundwater monitoring, a summary of approaches and techniques for sampling, analyzing, and evaluating the quality of groundwater is provided. In the remaining portion of this subsection on fundamentals, the purpose of groundwater monitoring is addressed and an overview of the regulatory
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requirements for groundwatermonitoring is provided; also, strategies for developing groundwatermonitoring programs are provided. In other sections of this chapter, descriptions are provided for the design and installation of groundwater monitoring systems, sampling and analysis of groundwater, and evaluation of groundwater monitoring data. The primary focus of this chapter is on groundwater monitoring at sites where contaminant releases, or potential releases, have impacted, or could impact, groundwater quality.
Groundwater is used for a variety of purposes, including irrigation, drinking, and manufacturing. Groundwater is also the source of a large percentage of surface water. To verify that groundwater is suited for its purpose, its quality can be evaluated (i.e., monitored) by collecting samples and analyzing them. In simplest terms, the purpose of groundwater monitoring is to define the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of groundwater. If the characteristics of the groundwater do not meet the requirements of its intended use, or if the groundwater could be harmful to human health or the environment, then it may need to be remediated. Groundwater remediation is discussed in Chapter 36 of this handbook.
