AWWA JAW26062

This article describes the approach used by the state of New Jersey to determine practical quantitation levels (PQLs) for 22 organic compounds in drinking water. An interlaboratory study was conducted using six state-certified laboratories. Samples with concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 20 ug/L were analyzed using US Environmental Protection Agency methods 502.1, 503.1, and 524.1. Results indicated a clear decrease in precision and accuracy with decreasing concentration. Acceptable quantitation could be achieved between 1 and 5 ug/L for volatile organic contaminants. The PQLs were affected by the individual analyte's performance in the methods. Includes 8 references, tables.