CDPH Lead Inspector/Assessor California State Practice Exam

What type of container should be used for collecting water samples?

1. Seal-less plastic bag

2. Hard, sealable, glass or plastic

3. Open glass jar

4. Soft disposable container

The correct answer is: Hard, sealable, glass or plastic

The appropriate choice for collecting water samples is a hard, sealable container made of either glass or plastic. This type of container is essential for ensuring that the integrity of the water sample is preserved during the collection, transport, and analysis processes. Using a hard, sealable container minimizes the risk of contamination from external sources and prevents any leaching of materials from the container itself, which could skew the results of the testing. Sealable containers also help to avoid the evaporation of volatile components in the water, ensuring that the sample accurately reflects the conditions at the time of collection. In contrast, options like a seal-less plastic bag or an open glass jar do not provide the necessary protection against contamination or evaporation, while a soft disposable container may not maintain the structural integrity needed to prevent leakage or exposure to environmental elements. Therefore, a hard, sealable container is the best choice for reliable and accurate water sample collection.