Instructions for Collecting Rainwater, Snow, and Fog Samples for Lab Testing

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#24775 03/11/23 05:13 PM

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Russ Tanner

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Instructions for Collecting Rainwater, Snow, and Fog Samples for Lab Testing

March 2023 - Now it's more important than ever to collect and test rainwater and snow to provide evidence of chemical aerosols.

We are providing information below to help with the process.

If you have questions or need help, please feel free to contact us using the email in the "Contact Us" link at the top menu area of this page.

The Lab

We currently use Apex Labs for water testing and have had good experiences with them. Below is a link to their website which contains their contact information.

Apex Labs, Tigard, Oregon

Preparation

Find the GOES/ National Weather Service radar image of your specific area for the late afternoon before or the early morning of your collection day. Keep a copy of it to go with the test results of your sample.

Fog/Condensation Sample

This is the difficult to get and the most dramatic to show results. That is because fog and ground level haze shows visibly what we are breathing.

Set out glass bowls, baking dishes late in the evening. Be sure they are away from overhanging trees and they are off the ground.

Early in the morning go empty the moisture you've collected into your clean jar. It will likely take several days to collect enough fog condensation for lab testing.

Rain Sample

Rain samples are the easiest to collect.

Put out your bowls. Try to get as close to the first downpour possible.

Immediately pour into your clean jar and seal it.

Snow Sample

Similar to gathering FOG CONDENSATION, you want to collect falling snow (not the stuff on the ground). Put out bowls and empty them continuously into a jar until you have enough melted snow to fill your jar.

Materials for Collection

Glass bowls or baking dishes. Clean them well but don't leave any soap residue in them.
At least 12 oz (1/3 L) of collected water.
A 12 oz jar. mason canning jar is perfect.
A label and cap for the jar with date of collection and location collected with a tight fitting cap.
A small plastic bag, like a sandwich bag.
Heavy-duty tape. (not duct tape)
Popcorn plastic packaging and some plastic bags.
A Post Office Priority Mailing BOX 4. Dimensions: 7 x 7 x 6" (0.197) .
A Chain of Custody form, properly filled out with the testing you want done.
Be sure you've put the date and location where you collected the sample. Sign the blank space to release your sample to the Lab.

The elements are listed in a group in the middle of the Chain of Custody form. Circle the elements you want, or in the special instructions box in the lower right side, list the analyses you want. Lithium and sulfate cost extra and you must list them separately.

Instructions

Collect enough water; At least 12 oz/ approx 1/3 L.
Fill jar to about 1/2 inch from the top. Do not fill it to the very top.
Cover open jar with small plastic sandwich bag.
Screw lid on tightly. The plastic bag will seal it shut.
Using heavy duty tape, make sure the lid is well shut. Do not use duct tape as it peels off when moist.
Stuff your jar into your box with popcorn plastic on the bottom, plastic bags around the jar and more popcorn plastic on the top.
Place the Chain of Custody form on top of the stuffing.
Tape the box shut and properly address it.
Send it away. Be sure to keep your tracking number.

Bowls Set Out For Collection

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