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Because Study-Unit ground-water components have different objectives, different <br />water-quality constituents could be measured (table 2). Thus, the protocols and procedures <br />for collecting ground-water-quality samples and data also could differ among components. <br />For example, data collection for a Study-Unit Survey generally implies samples are collected <br />for a broad suite of chemical constituents, whereas a Flowpath Study could conceivably focus <br />solely on a narrow category, such as nutrients. In general, however, water-quality constituents <br />to be measured are determined, at least in part, by the water-quality topics of national interest <br />selected for National Assessment. These topics can change over time. Current (1995) topics <br />selected for National Assessment are nutrients, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds. <br />This report provides to investigators in the NAWQA Program the protocols and recom- <br />mended procedures for the selection of supply, monitoring, or observation wells; installation <br />of monitoring wells; documentation of the well-selection and well-installation process; and <br />guidance regarding the collection of hydrogeologic and geologic data from wells. Technical <br />information that relates to the collection of ground-water-quality samples and data for <br />NAWQA are described in Koterba and others (in press). Technical information that relates to <br />protocols and recommended procedures described in either of these NAWQA reports are <br />discussed in greater detail in the planned companion reports being prepared to meet broader <br />based needs of the USGS. <br />Acknowledgments <br />The authors gratefully acknowledge the contributions and assistance of many colleagues <br />within the USGS in producing this document. In particular, thorough and thoughtful reviews <br />and discussions were provided by David W. Clark, Dorinda J. Gellenbeck, and W. Brian <br />Hughes for the National Water-Quality Assessment Program of the USGS. Editorial assis- <br />tance was provided by Iris M. Collies.