A simple and inexpensive computer-controlled automatic sampler is described for use with an inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer system. The entire system is based on a modified commercially available sampler subsystem coupled with a commercial inductively coupled plasma spectrometer. The modifications provide both computer-control capability and independent variable rinse and preanalysis sample flush time periods. Control of the automated sampler is accomplished through existing hardware and software present on the minicomputer dedicated to the spectrometer. Addition of this versatile sampler system has increased efficiency and productivity of the inductively coupled plasma during routine water analysis applications.