
Water Samplers

Water samplers are essential tools for collecting accurate water samples in a variety of environments, including industrial, environmental, and municipal applications. Designed for precision and durability, these devices ensure reliable data collection for analysis of water quality, contaminants, and compliance with regulatory standards.
Models are available as either portable or fixed units, with options for refrigeration, composite or sequential sampling, and AC, battery, or solar power. Each sampler is designed for specific environments and sampling requirements, ensuring accurate and efficient water quality monitoring.
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Featured Automatic Water Samplers
Water samplers play a crucial role in environmental monitoring, regulatory compliance, and industrial applications. Various types of water samplers exist, each designed for specific sampling needs. Below is a comparison of the most common types of water samplers and their applications.

Automatic Water Sampler
Automatic water samplers are designed to collect water samples at predetermined intervals without manual intervention. They are often used in long-term monitoring programs.
Key Features:
- Programmable collection intervals
- Suitable for remote and unattended sampling
- Can be configured for composite or sequential sampling
Common Applications:
- Continuous environmental monitoring
- Regulatory compliance sampling
- Industrial water quality testing

Portable Water Sampler
Portable water samplers are lightweight and designed for easy transport, making them ideal for fieldwork and short-term sampling needs.
Key Features:
- Compact and battery-powered
- Easy to carry for on-site sampling
- Can support composite or discrete sampling
Common Applications:
- Stormwater monitoring
- Field research studies
- Short-term sampling projects

Refrigerated Water Sampler
Automatic water samplers are designed to collect water samples at predetermined intervals without manual intervention. They are often used in long-term monitoring programs.
Key Features:
- Programmable collection intervals
- Suitable for remote and unattended sampling
- Can be configured for composite or sequential sampling
Common Applications:
- Continuous environmental monitoring
- Regulatory compliance sampling
- Industrial water quality testing

Composite Sampler
Key Features:
- Can be time-based or flow-proportional
- Reduces variability in sample analysis
- Ideal for long-term trend analysis
Common Applications:
- Regulatory compliance in wastewater treatment
- Industrial effluent monitoring
- Stormwater runoff analysis

Sequential Sampler
Key Features:
- Enables tracking of pollutant fluctuations
- Ideal for identifying pollution sources
- Provides detailed temporal data
Common Applications:
- Studying contamination trends over time
- Industrial process monitoring
- Environmental impact assessments

Wastewater Autosampler
Key Features:
- Robust construction for handling harsh environments
- Capable of composite or discrete sampling
- Often integrated with flow meters for precise collection
Common Applications:
- Wastewater treatment facility compliance
- Industrial discharge monitoring
- Regulatory sampling in municipal sewage systems
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Water Sampler Applications
NPDS Permit Compliance
Automatic samplers play a key role in helping facilities meet National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements. ISCO water samplers support regulatory compliance by enabling accurate, time-based or flow-weighted composite sampling of effluent discharges. With modular options and rugged enclosures, these systems are ideal for long-term deployment at outfalls, treatment plant discharge points, and other regulated locations. Reliable sample collection ensures defensible data for reporting, auditing, and enforcement response.
Stormwater
Managing stormwater runoff is critical for both regulatory compliance and environmental protection. ISCO automatic samplers are trusted tools for stormwater monitoring programs, offering reliable performance during unpredictable weather events. Designed to trigger on rainfall, flow, or level thresholds, these samplers capture first-flush events and composite samples over the duration of a storm. With options for portable or permanent installation, they provide the flexibility needed for municipal, industrial, and construction site runoff monitoring.
Process Monitoring & Optimization
In industrial and municipal facilities, automatic samplers support continuous improvement by capturing representative samples from key process streams. ISCO samplers help identify variability, optimize chemical dosing, and verify treatment performance over time. Whether integrated into a SCADA system or configured for standalone operation, these samplers deliver high-resolution data for process control decisions and troubleshooting. With modular communication options and corrosion-resistant materials, they’re built to handle demanding environments.
Wastewater-Based Surveillance (WBS)
Wastewater-Based Surveillance (WBS) is an emerging tool for tracking public health trends through the analysis of sewage. ISCO automatic samplers are widely used by universities, municipalities, and public health agencies to collect time-weighted or flow-proportional samples for pathogen and biomarker analysis. With programmable schedules, remote communication options, and rugged designs, ISCO samplers provide consistent, high-quality samples needed for viral load monitoring, epidemiological studies, and early warning systems.
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
Monitoring for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) requires sampling equipment that minimizes contamination and preserves sample integrity. ISCO automatic samplers are designed with PFAS-compatible components and customizable configurations to meet stringent sampling protocols. Whether deployed for regulatory compliance, source tracking, or research, these samplers enable accurate time-based or flow-weighted composite collection in municipal, industrial, and environmental applications. Paired with proper sample handling, they support defensible data generation for this critical class of emerging contaminants.
Drinking Water Plant Sampling for Fluoride
Routine monitoring of fluoride levels in drinking water treatment plants is essential for public health and regulatory compliance. ISCO automatic samplers streamline this process by collecting reliable, consistent samples from finished water or intermediate stages. With programmable schedules and precise volume control, they reduce manual sampling burden while ensuring traceable fluoride data. Durable construction and compatibility with treated water make them ideal for long-term use in drinking water applications.
Industrial Pretreatment
Automatic samplers are essential for monitoring industrial users contributing to a municipal wastewater system. ISCO samplers help enforce pretreatment standards by collecting representative flow-weighted or time-based samples at discharge points. With rugged enclosures and flexible programming, they can withstand harsh environments and irregular flow conditions. These systems support defensible data collection for compliance, surcharge billing, and enforcement, protecting treatment plant operations and downstream water quality.
Stream Monitoring
ISCO automatic samplers support stream monitoring programs by enabling unattended sample collection in remote and challenging environments. Whether tracking seasonal changes, pollutant loading, or upstream/downstream impacts, these samplers offer time-based and event-triggered sampling for comprehensive data sets. With battery power options, rugged weatherproof housings, and modular accessories like rain gauges and flow modules, they’re ideal for long-term deployment in watershed studies and environmental assessments.
Watershed Monitoring
Understanding water quality across a watershed requires consistent, high-quality sampling from multiple locations. ISCO automatic samplers provide a reliable solution for capturing spatial and temporal data across streams, tributaries, and discharge points. With remote communications, solar power options, and rugged enclosures, they support year-round deployment in challenging field conditions. Ideal for tracking nutrient loading, land use impacts, or regulatory compliance, ISCO samplers help researchers and agencies make informed watershed management decisions.
Water Sampler Comparison Table
Model | Mobility | Sample Type | Bottle Options | Power Options | Cooling Options | Typical Use Case |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ISCO 6712c | Portable | Composite / Discrete | 1*2.5 gal, 24*500mL | AC (standard), AC Battery backup, 12V Battery, 12v Solar | Ice-cooling | Advanced programming, Wastewater, Stormwater, Water quality monitoring |
ISCO 6712 | Portable | Composite / Discrete | 1*2.5 gal, 4*1 gal, 8*2L, 12*1L, 24*1L | 12V Battery, AC | Ice-cooling | Advanced programming, Wastewater, Stormwater, Water quality monitoring |
ISCO 6712 Jumbo | Portable | Composite / Discrete | 1*5.5 gal, 1*2.5 gal, 4*1 gal, 8*2L, 12*1L, 24*1L | AC (standard), 12V backup | Ice-cooling | Advanced programming, Wastewater, Stormwater, Water quality monitoring |
ISCO 6712FR | Stationary | Composite / Discrete | 1*5.5 gal, 2*2 gal, 1*2.5 gal, 4*2.5 gal, 24*1L | AC (Standard), 12V Battery | Refrigerated | Wastewater |
ISCO 5800 | Stationary | Composite / Discrete | 1*5.5 gal, 1*5 gal, 1*2.5gal, 2*2.5 gal, 4*2.5 gal, 24*1L, 24*350mL | AC (Standard), Battery backup | Refrigerated | Advanced programming, Wastewater |
ISCO BLZZRD | Portable | Composite / Discrete | 1*5.3 gal, 1*2.5 gal, 4*5L, 4*1.8L, 14*950mL | AC (Standard), 12V Battery, Battery backup | Refrigerated | Advanced programming, Stormwater, Water quality monitoring |
ISCO GLS | Portable | Composite (limited Discrete) | 1*1 gal, 1*2.5 gal | 2 gal ProPak bags | 12V Battery only | Ice-cooling | Stormwater |
ISCO 3700 *Discontinued | Portable | Composite / Discrete | 1*2.5 gal, 24*1L | 12V Battery, AC, AC battery backup, Solar | Ice-cooling | Wastewater, Stormwater |
ISCO 4700 *Discontinued | Stationary | Composite / Discrete | 1*2.5 gal, 24*1L | AC Only | Refrigerated | Advanced programming, Wastewater |
Calculators
Water Sampler Pulse Calculator
Gallons per Pulse: –
# of Pulses per Sample: –
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a water sampler?
A water sampler is a device used to collect water samples for environmental monitoring, compliance testing, and research. These samplers help ensure accurate water quality analysis by preserving samples for laboratory testing.
What types of water samplers are available?
- Automatic water samplers – These collect samples at scheduled intervals or in response to specific conditions.
- Manual water samplers – These require an operator to collect water samples on-site.
How do automatic water samplers work?
- Sample volume capacity
- Refrigeration for sample preservation
- Flow-based or time-based sampling options
- Portability and power options (battery vs. AC power)
- Weather resistance for outdoor use
Yes, there are portable, battery-powered water samplers designed for fieldwork in remote areas. Many models from Teledyne ISCO also support solar power options for extended operation.
- Placing the intake tubing in the water source at an appropriate depth.
- Connecting the sampler to a power source (battery or AC).
- Programming sampling intervals and triggers.
- Ensuring the sampler is secure and protected from environmental conditions.
- Cleaning and replacing intake tubing as needed.
- Checking pump performance and calibrating settings.
- Verifying sample bottle integrity and refrigeration (if applicable).
- Inspecting for clogs or wear in the sampling mechanism.
Yes, we provide technical support and can assist with troubleshooting, maintenance guidance, and replacement parts if needed.