1 1 This protocol describes a method of sampling groundwater from bore-holes. The method was used in my PhD research on aquifer microbial ecology over two weeks at the Wellington Research Station in New South Wales, Australia. With a little practise, the method can probably be carried out solo by most people, although additional assistance would certainly speed things up. I managed to consistently sample and process groundwater from eight bores a day using this method; your mileage may vary

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... nding on number of workers, distance between bores, and so on. The sampling protocol describes the use of an inertia pump for bores with an internal diameter of approximately 5 cm and a sampled depth of less than 60 m. It includes the measurement of bore information -such as depth and water table -as well as the use of water meters to measure the pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature and conductivity of groundwater, and of course the collection of the groundwater sample itself. Separete protocols will be provided for sampling narrow-diameter bores, sampling stygofauna, sampling surface soils, conducting colorimetric analysis of ferrous and sulphide anion concentrations, and further post-processing and analyses of the groundwater samples collected in this protocol. Especially if working in remote areas, it is recommended to carry spare petrol, 4-stroke motor oil, spark plugs and a maintenance kit for the PowerPack PP1 pump. A spare foot valve is also recommended because abrasion against bore casings can wear holes in the housing and, in rare circumstances, they can also fall off. A variety of sampling hose lengths can also be useful -a long hose for sampling the deepest wells (the PP1 can sample down to about 60 m) and shorter lengths which are easier to handle and more practical for sampling shallower wells.