General Observations (required) Print...

Materials
Background Information
When doing any water sampling test, it is important to record certain information about the sampling site and observations of the site. It is not required to submit this information to the project but it will be important to have when interpreting the results. If you would like to share this information with other project participants, please submit it through the Discussion Area.

  1. Name and location of the river, stream, lake or pond tested.
     
  2. Latitude, longitude, and altitude of the water test site.
     
  3. Date and time of water sampling.
     
  4. Weather conditions at the time of sampling and, if appropriate, recent weather conditions (i.e. day after a big rain storm.)
     
  5. Condition of the river, stream, lake or pond. For example, does it appear to be polluted with any debris or matter? Are there any fish or plants in the water? Is there a lot of algae growing in it?
     
  6. Color and odor of the water.
     
  7. What is the general clarity or amount of suspended material in the water? For example, is the water clear, cloudy, or muddy? Can you see many suspended particles floating in the water?
    NOTE: The optional turbidity test will provide you with a more accurate reading.
     
  8. Any other observations that you think are interesting or significant.

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[Menu: Introduction - Equipment]
[Required Tests: General Observations - Temperature - pH - Dissolved Oxygen - Macroinvertebrates]
[Optional Tests: Nitrates - Phosphates - Biological Oxygen Demand - Turbidity - Coliform Bacteria]

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