Overview
What do the properties of water and mixtures have to do with water quality? As water runs off the land into streams and rivers, or filters through the ground into aquifers, the water can dissolve and "pick up" pollutants do to the polar nature of water and its ability to dissolve many solids and liquids.

How can the average citizen find out what is dissolved in the water in and around their community? There are several EPA links that can assist with information, but to get straight to the source, you can perform your own tests.

Objectives
Students will:

be able to demonstrate their accurate use of testing kits list reasons why it is important to test water quality

Time
One or two 45 minute class periods.

Materials

water samples test kits paper towels

Teacher Preparation

Water Sampling Tests Fieldbook EPA - Non Point Source Pollution Map of North American Aquifers EPA - Surf Your Watershed

Procedure

As close to the class meeting time as possible, obtain water samples. Test the samples to have an idea of the range of values for each testing parameter.   Break the students into small working groups. According to the number of test kits available, issue each group the various kits, or have the students rotate through various testing stations.   Make sure that all students have the opportunity to use each test kit and get a reading for each parameter.   Have each group share their data.

Assessment Suggestions

• Were the results within expected ranges? Why or why not?
• Were different values found for the various parameters? Why?
• How can the various tests show the possible presence of pollutants in the sample?
• Assess the type of land in your community. How much is devoted to agriculture? How much has been developed? Is there a link between the type of development and the possible pollutants that may be present?