OWML: QA/QC

Quality Assurance/Quality Control Manual: Ohio Water Microbiology Laboratory

INTRODUCTION
The USGS Ohio Water Microbiology Laboratory (the OWML) mainly provides analytical data for projects within the Ohio Water Science Center.  With the growth of microbiological monitoring within the Water Resources Division, however, the OWML analyzes samples for other Water Center programs by request. Samples are collected to determine the presence of microbiological organisms of public health significance in ground waters and surface waters 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, enteric viruses, Actinomycetes, and two protozoan pathogens—Cryptosporidium and Giardia.  OWML personnel provide assistance for project planning and training on three major groups of microorganisms of public health significance in the United States: bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.  As funds become available for expansion, the OWML plans to add other analytical methods and types of 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.