Field Water Chemistry Analysis Equipment Care Test Procedures Results Interpretation Data Reporting

Field Chemistry Tests pH Dissolved Oxygen Conductivity Temperature Some things are just best done in person.

Field Chemistry Equipment Lamotte Brand Testing Kits Alcohol or mineral spirit thermometers Conductivity/TDS Meters (calibrated) pH meters calibrated with standard solutions Other field testing equipment is usable if calibrated and documented. Testing strips such as pH paper and “dip strips”are not accepted.

How to count to 10 The ability to differentiate color How to follow step by step instructions The ability to fill a bottle What you need to know

Measuring pH

pH testing kit

pH-Good Between 6-9 Standard Units Acid Range Basic or Alkaline Range

Interpreting pH Results

Measuring Dissolved Oxygen

Dissolved Oxygen testing kit

Dissolved Oxygen Levels 0-4 mg/l poor 4-7 mg/l fair 7-10 mg/l good mg/l excellent over 14 ????? Check your test!

Interpreting Dissolved Oxygen Results

Dissolved Oxygen Temperature

Measuring Conductivity

Conductivity Meter (and you get a thermometer)

Conductivity Oil and Gas Well Discharge The higher the number, the poorer the quality. Waste water impact Normal Stream Rain

Conductivity Flow

Field Observations Flow 0-5 point scale 24 hour rainfall In inches Turbidity 0-3 point scale Some things are just best done in person.

Flow Observations Flow 0 = Dry 1 = Ponded 2 = low 3 = Normal 4 = Bank Full 5 = FLOOD! Get to know your creek 0=Dry 4=Bank Full 5=Flood!

Record Discharge in Cubic Feet Per Second

Estimate rainfall in your watershed in quarter inches for the last 24 hours Use Weather Channel, local paper or Toad Gauge

ValueObservation NTUs 0Crystal Clear 0 NTUs 1Clear1-3 NTUs 2Cloudy 4-12 NTUs 3Muddy >12 NTUs Turbidity 0-3 point scale

Other observations to make Putrescent or otherwise objectionable bottom deposits Oil, scum, and floating debris in amounts that are unsightly Nuisance levels of odor, color, other conditions

DO kit pH kit Thermometer Spent chemical waste container Conductivity meter and screwdriver “Blue Book” of instructions Recording forms pencil First Aid Kit Field Chemistry Check List

Equipment Use Equipment is “Loaned” to you for the duration of the project. Please return field kits to your area coordinator or sampling event coordinator if you “retire” from the project.

Kits have enough chemical for 50 tests! (use them all you want!) Store in a cool, dry place. NOT a hot car or freezing garage! Chemicals should be replaced every two years. Should you need replacement chemicals or glassware before then, let us know. Equipment Use

There are hazardous chemicals in these kits! DO Test uses a strong alkali (like bleach) pH test chemical is flammable Read Material Safety Data Sheets for handling and Disposal Instructions Use plastic spent chemical waste container at stream Dispose of properly at home. Equipment Use

We request that you Run D.O., Temp & pH test every field visit or sampling event. Feel free to use them more frequently For monthly or bi-weekly testing For testing other resources For educational demonstrations Equipment Use

Test at the creek! Conduct Field Tests in actual conditions