The Data Quality field contains the quality status of the individual or summarized sample analytical result. Permitted entries in the drop-down list include the following:
Accepted (A) means the sample analytical result met the established laboratory quality assurance (QA) criteria, but must be validated by state personnel before the result is used in automated noncompliance determinations.
Preliminary (P) or provisional means the sample analytical result has been informally reported to a state agency for use in field investigation of a potential water quality problem. Formal results are transmitted by the lab after confirmation. Preliminary results are not used in automated noncompliance determinations.
Rejected (R) means the sample analytical result failed to meet the state or EPA QA criteria. No further action is taken on this result. Normally, the lab or state agency notifies the water system of the rejected result and requires collection of a replacement sample.
Validated (V) means the compliance officer validated the sample analytical result.