Quality Control and Quality Assurance – River Network

Glossary of Quality Assurance Terms

This handy guide developed by the EPA should be your go-to if you are unfamiliar with terms in the other resources, unsure with the difference between precision and accuracy, or would like a list of acronyms you may encounter when developing your QA/QC procedures. At 46 pages, this document thoroughly includes all terms associated with quality assurance.

QAPP Template for Citizen Science Projects

EPA developed this QAPP template specifically for EPA Region 2, but can be applied for projects in any location. Refer to this template to assist in writing your own QAPP or review its sections to add further detail to your own QAPP. Sample language is included in this template for each section to take the headache out of developing a QAPP.

Quality Assurance Planning Resources

This resource page from the Chesapeake Bay Program describes in detail why quality assurance plans are needed and what is required for an effective quality management plan. Here you can also find five of their approved quality assurance plans for their various projects. Note, because of the difference in each of their projects there are difference plans for each one.

Quality Assurance Project Plan Development Tool

This EPA tool includes six modules to guide you through the process of developing your own QAPP. Modules include general guidance, templates, an example QAPP, technical QA information, standard operating procedures for methods, and guidance on selecting a laboratory for sample analysis.

USGS Quality Assurance for Water-Quality Activities Resources

This webpage includes several USGS laboratories and their own quality assurance measures and systems. You will also find the USGS National Field Manual for the Collection of Water-Quality Data, which includes USGS specific protocols in various chapters. Refer to Chapters 1 and 4 for info on quality assurance and quality control.

Still hungry for more QA/QC resources?

Most states have their own resources for groups interested in monitoring. Refer to your state environmental agency for other resources that may be state specific and explore EPA’s Quality Assurance Handbook and Guidance Documents for more.