From the classroom to the field: Practical PFAS sampling training in NSW

Recently in Tea Gardens, NSW, the HydroTerra team delivered a custom low-flow groundwater sampling for PFAS workshop for the Department of climate change, energy and the environment and water DCCEEW. It was held not in a classroom, but out in the field, where these skills are actually applied.
Working alongside Annabelle McPhail, the session focused on practical, hands-on monitoring. And as shown here in photo, participants weren’t just listening they were actively working through sampling setups, equipment handling and real-time decision making on site.

The setting itself tells part of the story.
Surrounding the group is a landscape still recovering, a reminder that environmental monitoring rarely happens in controlled or ideal environments.
Instead, teams need to be confident working:
• On uneven ground
• In changing site conditions
• With equipment setups that don’t always go to plan

That’s exactly what this session was designed to reflect.

In the image, participants are gathered around an active bore setup, working through the process collaboratively from equipment connection through to sampling preparation. This kind of real-time, group-based learning is where capability is built.

On-site training covered key aspects of low-flow groundwater sampling, including:
• Bore gauging
• Low-flow purging and stabilisation using a water quality meter
• Low-flow sampling techniques
• Sample filtration
• Meter calibration
• QA/QC sample collection
• Chain of custody
• Equipment decontamination
• Correct sample handling and storage

Why this approach matters

What sets these sessions apart is their relevance.
Rather than relying on generic training environments, HydroTerra delivers sessions directly in the conditions teams work in by using real equipment, real workflows and real constraints.
This means participants leave not just understanding the method, but knowing how to apply it:
• Confidently
• Consistently
• And when conditions aren’t ideal

Beyond groundwater sampling
In addition to low-flow groundwater sampling, HydroTerra’s custom training programs also support:
• Groundwater monitoring with data loggers and telemetry
• Soil and surface water sampling
• Soil vapour investigations
Because in the field, it’s not just about knowing the method — it’s about making it work.
If you’re looking to build capability across your team or refine your monitoring program, HydroTerra can tailor a session to suit.
Learn more about our custom training