Tremendous improvements in ground-water sampling methodologies and analytical technologies have made it possible to collect and analyze truly representative samples to detect increasingly lower levels of contaminants-now in the sub-parts-per-billion range. Though these new methods produce more accurate and precise data and are less expensive, many companies and government agencies are reluctant to update their sampling protocols and regulations claiming the transition would be too costly.

The Essential Handbook of Ground-Water Sampling clearly details the economic and scientific...