A new device for collecting time-integrated water samples from springs andsurface water bodies

A new device termed the "seepage sampler" was developed to collect represen tative water samples from springs, streams, and other surface-water bodies, The sampler collects composite, time-integrated water samples over short ( hours) or extended (weeks) periods without causing significant changes to t he chemical composition of the samples. The water sample within the sampler remains at the ambient temperature of the water body and doles not need to be cooled. Seepage samplers are inexpensive to construct and easy to use, A sampling p rogram of numerous springs and/or streams can be designed at a relatively l ow cost through the use of these samplers. Transient solutes migrating thro ugh such flow systems, potentially unnoticed by periodic sampling, may be d etected. In addition, the mass loading of solutes (e.g., agrichemicals) may be determined when seepage samplers are used in conjunction with discharge measurements.