This part of ISO 5667 sets out the principles to be applied to the design of sampling programmes, sampling techniques and the handling of water samples from rivers and streams for physical and chemical assessment. It is not applicable to the sampling of estuarine or coastal waters and has limited applicability to microbiological sampling. NOTE Procedures for microbiological sampling are given in ISO 19458. This part of ISO 5667 is not applicable to the examination of sediment, suspended solids or biota. In cases where naturally occurring or artificially constructed dams result in the retention or storage of water for several days or more, it might be better to consider the stretch of the river or stream as a standing water body for sampling purposes. ISO 5667-4 provides guidance for sampling in these circumstances. WARNING — The focus of this part of ISO 5667 is the collection and integrity of water samples. The collection of these samples can be hazardous and attention is therefore drawn to the existence in some countries of legislative requirements for the safety of personnel.