Where should raw water samples be taken from in wells without sample taps?

The correct approach for obtaining raw water samples from wells without sample taps is to take them from the waste line prior to any treatment. This method ensures that the sample reflects the quality of the water as it comes directly from the well, without any alterations or improvements made by treatment processes. Sampling directly from the waste line prior to treatment captures the true characteristics of the water, including any contaminants or specific parameters that need to be analyzed.

Taking samples from the treatment line after chlorination, for instance, would not provide accurate data regarding the raw water quality since the water would have already been treated and disinfected. Similarly, sampling from the main distribution line would yield results that reflect the quality of water after treatment and distribution, again not providing a true representation of the original well water. Collecting samples from any nearby open body of water could introduce additional variables or contaminants that are unrelated to the well, further skewing the data.

Therefore, taking samples from the waste line prior to treatment is the best practice to evaluate the raw water quality effectively.