ASTM D6771-21 - Standard Practice for Low-Flow Purging and Sampling Used for Groundwater Monitoring

1.1 This practice describes the method of low-flow purging and sampling used to collect groundwater samples from wells to assess groundwater quality.

1.2 The purpose of this procedure is to collect groundwater samples that represent a flow-weighted average of solute and colloid concentrations transported through the formation near the well screen under ambient conditions. Samples collected using this method can be analyzed for groundwater contaminants and/or naturally occurring analytes.

1.3 This practice is generally not suitable for use in wells with very low-yields and cannot be conducted using grab sampling or inertial lift devices. This practice is not suitable for use in wells with non-aqueous phase liquids.

1.4 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are approximate mathematical conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.5 This practice offers a set of instructions for performing one or more specific operations. This document cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this practice may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, nor should this document be applied without consideration of a project's many unique aspects. The word “standard” in the title means only that the document has been approved through the ASTM consensus process.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.