AWWA WQTC58854

A nationwide survey was conducted of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), other ether gasoline oxygenates, and other volatile organic compounds in drinking-water sources in the United States. This survey involved a large sampling effort and quality-control procedures were utilized to ensure the accuracy of the data. A data acceptance strategy was developed to evaluate all processes of the project from preparation of the sample bottles, through sample collection, and laboratory analysis. Two data acceptance strategies were conducted: initial validation of the laboratory quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC); and, data validation of the field QA/QC. The initial data validation involved evaluation of the data with standard laboratory QA/QC to censor the data based on detection/reporting levels and laboratory contamination. The data validation with field QA/QC involved evaluation of the data with the field blanks to censor for random contamination. These strategies provide a conservative approach to reporting environmental data from an occurrence study. Includes 10 references, table, figures.