5.1 Many of the manual and automated laboratory methods for measurement of physical, chemical, and biological parameters in water and waste water are adaptable to on-line sampling and analysis. The resulting real-time data output can have a variety of uses, including confirming regulatory compliance, controlling process operations, or detecting leaks or spills.

5.2 This guide is intended to be a common reference that can be applied to all water quality monitoring systems. However, calibration, validation, and verification sections may be inappropriate for certain tests since the act of removing a sample from a flowing stream may change the sample.

5.3 Technical details of the specific methodology are contained in the pertinent ASTM standard test methods, which will reference this practice for guidance in selection of systems and their proper implementation.

5.4 This guide complements descriptive information on this subject found in the ASTM Manual on Water. ⁴

This guide covers the selection, establishment, application, and validation and verification of monitoring systems for determining water characteristics by continual sampling, automatic analysis, and recording or otherwise signaling of output data. This guide provides a unified approach to the use of on-line monitoring systems for water quality analysis. Safety precautions, system design and installation, calibration techniques, operating procedures, and validation and verification procedures shall be in accordance with the specified requirements.

1.1 This guide covers the selection, establishment, application, and validation and verification of monitoring systems for determining water characteristics by continual sampling, automatic analysis, and recording or otherwise signaling of output data. The system chosen will depend on the purpose for which it is intended: whether it is for regulatory compliance, process monitoring, or to alert the user of adverse trends. If it is to be used for regulatory compliance, the method published or referenced in the regulations should be used in conjunction with this guide and other ASTM methods.

1.2 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific hazard statements are given in Section 7.