What is often considered the most overlooked component of sampling?

In the context of water sampling, decontamination is often considered the most overlooked component. Ensuring that all sampling equipment is properly decontaminated is crucial to avoid contamination of the samples being collected. If the equipment used for sampling is not free from contaminants, it can lead to inaccurate results, potentially obscuring water quality issues and misleading data interpretations. This step is essential for maintaining the integrity of the sampling process and ensuring that the obtained data accurately reflect the water's condition.

While sampling location, documentation, and equipment calibration are all vital aspects of effective water sampling, they tend to receive more attention in the planning and execution stages. However, decontamination is sometimes treated as a secondary priority, despite its foundational role in producing reliable and valid measurements. Properly addressing decontamination helps to preserve the quality and credibility of the data collected during water well monitoring.