KENTUCKY WATERSHED WATCH RECERTIFICATION – PHASE 1

KENTUCKY WATERSHED WATCH RECERTIFICATION – PHASE 1
Effective Date: 11/1/2015

Training and Certification Workshops
Phase 1 Field Chemistry Assessment Grab Sample Collection Phase 2 Biological Assessment Habitat Assessment We have four types of assessment, taught in two phases for our training workshops. These four assessments, when combined, provide the best overall picture of stream health. We strongly encourage you to become trained in all of them. Today’s workshop will focus on Field Chemistry Assessment and Grab Sample Collection. If you have not already done so, please register for a biological and habitat assessment workshop that complements today’s workshop (more later).

Phase 1 Watershed Watch Recertification
Goals for this module Refresh your skills Highlight changes to sampling procedures Distribute NEW flip books Check out any replacement equipment you need Complete essential recertification paperwork This slide explains how this workshop (the introduction to the Watershed Watch program) is organized

How we’re set up: Watershed Watch In Kentucky Board of Directors
Basin Steering Committee or Board of Directors Watershed Watch In Kentucky Board of Directors Sampling Event Coordinator Lab Manager Science Advisor(s) Area coordinator Watershed Watch Trained Sampler Here is our basic organizational structure. (You may want to identify who these people are in your basin) The most important people on this chart are the “Watershed Watch Trained Samplers”. You will be one of these folks after this workshop. They perform the data collection and sampling effort on the ground. Area coordinators (usually at the county level) help be sure new volunteers are trained, that sampling events run smoothly and that you have the equipment, materials and information you need to do your work Lab managers Sampling Event Coordinators plan the details of our unified sampling events The steering committee has a group of science advisors who help us with being sure our data collection efforts are scientifically valid and useful. They also assist with interpreting the data once we get it. Each basin has a volunteer steering committee/board that is responsible for organizing the basin for the year, conducting these training workshops, planning the data collection efforts and holding the annual conferences We have a statewide Watershed Watch In Kentucky organization composed of representatives from each of our 8 basins. They develop new initiatives, solve problems and help raise funds for the program.

Goal: Get people into the real world to see first
Our main goal is to get people to the water’s edge with the tools of science, so that they can learn about streams that are of concern to them Goal: Get people into the real world to see first hand the condition of their streams.

Watershed Watch provides you the tools and information you need to
educate and inform You Family Friends Neighbors Community Local Leaders Resource Management Agencies Watershed Watch empowers you to become an educator and take action about your stream and watershed This can be anything from informing yourself and your family about the safety of your favorite stream to working with local officials and resource management agencies on projects to help improve and protect your watershed

How you can use your information
Personal decision making Local action Grant applications Watershed planning Assessment screening Enforcement efforts Scientific research Describe how volunteers can/should use their information This ranges from “personal decision making” at the top of the list – to assessment, enforcement, and research purposes as you move down the list Explain that as you move through this list from top to bottom, the level of standards that are maintained (quality control) in the sample methods and analysis Data usage depends on the quality control applied…

For good Quality Assurance of results, we require:
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) For good Quality Assurance of results, we require: We have documented the procedures we use across the state for sample collection in the “Standard Operating Procedures” or SOP You will be given a copy of this document on CD Use your flip cards as reminders at the stream! These procedures are the same for everyone across the state, which assures good quality data and allows equal comparison across the state. Emphasize that the reason they are called Standard Operating Procedures is because everyone uses the same procedures. Please review these documents sometime before you take your first grab sample, and anytime that you have a question about our program/procedures Training workshops for certification Standard methods of collection Standard methods of analysis Full chain of custody and/or forms Careful recordkeeping!

Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
To ensure standard methods of collection, always use flip cards when sampling: ALWAYS use your flip cards as reminders at the stream!

SOP Statement This presentation is based on the
“Kentucky Watershed Watch Field Chemistry Sample Collection Standard Operating Procedure WWSOP01000” and is available from wwky.org Explain the information in this presentation was taken from the Kentucky Watershed Watch Field Water Chemistry Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) WWSOP1000 and encourage all volunteers to read this SOP to gain a deeper understanding of the information. The continued and expanded use of Watershed Watch data depends upon the training of volunteers in approved sampling procedures and the conscientious use of those procedures by each volunteer to ensure consistent, high quality sampling results across the state.

Field Chemistry Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) NEW Flip Book
ALWAYS use your flip cards as reminders at the stream!

Pre-sampling Information
You will receive for sampling: Instructions Transport information Chain of Custody Records Gloves (disposable) Sample containers Preservative (if required) You will receive materials from program coordinators or by mail Read instructions upon receipt! (Critical info on sample times and delivery included) Inspect all sample and preservative containers upon receipt for damage or breakage Preservative - A substance used to reduce physical and/or chemical changes in a stream sample prior to analysis This is one of the biggest mistakes volunteers make – not reading the materials ahead of time. Emphasize the importance of not waiting until they are at the stream to open their packet. There are specific instructions on how to take and preserve the sample in the packet. In some cases additional materials may be needed, such as bottled water for a blank (more on this later). EXAMPLE : A volunteer waited until she reached the stream to inspect her sample bottle, and upon collecting her sample noticed that water was pouring out the bottom of the bottle. It was cracked in the mail, and she did not have time to get a replacement bottle on the day of the sampling event. So her time was wasted, and she was unable to get a sample.

Be Safe! •During high flow, sampling should be postponed until baseline conditions exist – do not sample in any unsafe conditions •Waders and specialized wading boots can be utilized •Use extreme caution when wading in streams above the knee •Samplers should exhibit caution in and around streams to reduce the threat of a falling injury •Secure permission from landowner •Be aware of increased risk for frostbite or hypothermia in cold temperatures •Do not stick hands or feet under large objects. Exercise caution when handling aquatic life. Some organisms pinch, bite, etc. All water bodies have the potential to be contaminated Notify others of your whereabouts and carry a cell phone Use caution and be aware of your surroundings and location Read through each bullet while emphasizing each volunteer’s personal responsibility for their safety and health. Also explain that Watershed Watch expects each volunteer to put their personal safety above all else when participating in WW activities.

Equipment You will need to purchase a gallon of distilled water for use during sampling events All field chemistry sample containers must be rinsed with distilled water after each test Distilled water can be purchased very cheaply at most grocery and drug stores. Explain to the volunteers rinsing the Field Chemistry testing containers and equipment ensures no residues in stream water remain on the container or equipment to possibly affect your test results next time you use the equipment.

Equipment Use your Waste Container to dispose of all used chemicals
After rinsing field chemistry sample containers, dispose of rinse water in Waste Container After sampling event, flush contents of Waste Container into a system that goes to a wastewater treatment plant There are several liquid wastes generated by conducting the Field Chemistry tests. These used chemicals and liquids must be properly disposed. Watershed Watch provides each volunteer a container marked “Waste” for use at the stream. Pour all wastes generated by the Field Chemistry tests into this container. After the sampling event is complete, the contents of the waste container can be poured down a sink drain with clean water or flushed down a toilet into a sewer system that is connected to a wastewater (sewage) treatment plant. There have been concerns in the past about draining or flushing the contents into a household septic system. The septic system functions based on the bacterial activity in the system and there is a possibility that the chemical waste could harm these bacteria.

Equipment Store in a cool, dry place (climate controlled)
NOT a hot car or freezing garage! Store out of reach of children and pets In addition: Chemicals should be replaced every three years at your recertification training Kits have enough chemical for 50 tests! (use them all you want!) Should you need replacement chemicals or glassware before then, let us know Explain that proper handling of chemicals means stored in an area without the extreme temperature fluctuations that occur in the trunk of your car, your garage, attic, etc. Extreme heat and extreme cold will break down the chemicals and make them inaccurate or ineffective for the tests. This means your results will not be valid and will essentially be a wasted effort/time. The optimal place for keeping your kit is on a high shelf in a closet inside your home. We encourage you to use these kits as often as you like. There are enough chemicals in the kits for up to 50 tests. Our program only requires that you run three or four tests per year, so you have about 46 extra tests should you choose to use them. The chemicals have a three year shelf life after opening, if properly handled.

Equipment Chemical Safety There are hazardous chemicals in these kits!
Dissolved Oxygen (DO) test uses a strong acid and alkali (like bleach) pH Test chemical is flammable Read Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for further information on chemical safety Dispose of used chemicals in plastic waste container at stream and then flush into municipal wastewater treatment system (no septic systems) Trade in old chemicals for proper disposal when you receive replacement chemicals The good news is that we don’t use large amounts of these chemicals, so immediately flushing with large amounts of water is usually enough first aid to prevent serious injury. However, this isn’t usually true for the eyes. Always wear eye protection when handling the chemicals and collecting stream samples. Briefly discuss what are MSDS sheets and instruct volunteers to familiarize themselves with the chemical specific information on them. Inform volunteers they can access the latest MSDS sheets for the chemicals in the kits on the CD they receive in this workshop. Many of the opened chemicals can be used for instructional purposes in formal and informal educational settings. Some basins have arrangements with educators to supply them with these used chemicals that are no longer usable in actual sample analysis situations where the results need to be representative of actual stream conditions.

Proper attire for performing tests
Equipment Chemical Safety Emphasize gloves and eye protection are two of the most important ways to minimize or prevent injury from the chemicals used in the field chemistry tests. The advantage of actual safety goggles over sunglasses is the fuller coverage of the eye area and adjacent facial skin. Proper attire for performing tests Gloves (disposable) Eye protection

What to do if you get a chemical on you
Equipment Chemical Safety What to do if you get a chemical on you For emergency first aid in the field, flush affected area with large amounts of water and seek medical attention if necessary Follow the first aid procedures found on the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) Again instruct volunteers to familiarize themselves with the MSDS If the chemicals come in contact with your eyes, immediately flush them with a large amount of water and seek medical attention as needed.

Sampling Procedure Field Observations and Water Chemistry Assessment
Grab sample - A small quantity of water collected for analysis as a representation of the condition of a waterbody at a particular moment in time Use caution when sampling in deeper water – watch out for deep pools! Note in the center picture, the sampler is wearing a personal flotation device (a good idea for deeper water and when wearing waders of any type). Explain that samples should not be collected in extremely low-flow conditions, when the stream is pooled, and there is not apparent flow between pools. Take caution not to contaminate samples with material from the bottom of the stream. Samples should not be collected when sample container cannot be submerged without fear of collecting sediment or other material from the stream bed. Enter stream at a downstream location Walk upstream to avoid disturbing bottom Perform your observations and tests just below your grab sample location

Field Observations Flow Rate 0-5 Point Scale 0 = Dry 1 = Ponded
3 = Normal 4 = Bank Full 5 = FLOOD! Do not sample during these flow conditions Explain that ponded means the water is isolated to separate pools that do not have any flow connecting them. Also explain that when a stream is dry or ponded without connecting flow, samples should not be collected. Since flow from upstream contributes to a stream’s actual conditions, water in isolated pools without connected flow is not representative of true stream conditions. The main reason for not sampling in flood conditions is to avoid hazardous conditions. Volunteers should never risk their safety to collect a sample for Watershed Watch.

Field Observations 48 Hour Rainfall
Use Weather Channel, local paper or rain gauge Use any of these websites OR wwwagwx.ca.uky.edu/cgi-bin/ky_clim_data_www.pl water.weather.gov/ We ask that you provide rainfall amounts in the watershed being sampled during the last 48 hours Rain gauges are fine if they have been properly maintained - You must register to enter the Kentucky Mesonet website. This is the most scrutinized and quality assured site in the state for precipitation information. Not every county has a station, but efforts will continue to add locations, so keep checking back. The existing stations may not be located in the watershed of interest, but are often the next best source of rainfall information to direct observation. - CoCoRaHS is the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail & Snow Network – This is a network of volunteers across the state who take daily precipitation measurements every morning, measure the depth of any snowfall and record the measurements on the website. Not every county is represented in the network, but they are continually recruiting volunteers, so keep checking back. The measurement location may not be located in the watershed of interest. wwwagwx.ca.uky.edu/cgi-bin/ky_clim_data_www.pl – These weather data are provided by the University of Kentucky Agricultural Weather Center. These data are based on the 24 hour period from 7 pm to 7 pm. water.weather.gov/precip/ - This is a National Weather Service website with information based on climate data To determine 48 hour rainfall in inches

Additional Field Observations
Site coordinates and Photos GPS (decimal degrees – 5 decimal places) OR Digital map (KGS WW Site - or Google Earth) Take photos upstream and downstream of sampling point – with recognizable landmarks; should be taken annually during Summer sampling event Label photos: “Site#upstream” and “Site#downstream” Submit information to Water Watch office Phone: Site coordinates - The geographic location of your site defined by two positions on the surface of the Earth – latitude and longitude (measured in decimal degrees) Explain the importance of accurate site location information. If the volunteer is taking over an old site, it is important that they sample as closely as possible to the location where that site was originally established for continuity and comparability with data already collected for that site. If the volunteer is establishing a new site, accurate site coordinates will allow anyone who wishes to sample that site in the future or use the sample results and site information for any future planning or projects to exactly locate the point where the site was established. Each basin’s procedures may vary, so the site coordinates identified by the volunteers might be submitted to someone in the basin’s organization who will then submit the information to Joann Palmer, rather than the volunteer submitting the information directly to Joann. Be sure to clarify the procedure for your basin, so it can be clearly and accurately relayed to the volunteers at the workshop.

Field Measurements For Field Chemistry tests: pH Dissolved Oxygen
Put on gloves Collect water just below your grab sample location Rinse bottle, tube or cup and any associated caps or lids with stream water three times (fill container ¼ full of stream water, cap, shake, and discard downstream) Point mouth of bottle, tube or cup directly at the surface of the water, submerge entire container to mid-depth of stream, scoop upstream and fill to appropriate level For Field Chemistry tests: pH Dissolved Oxygen Conductivity (does not include Temperature) Instructors need to display the bottle, tube, and cup used in the Field Chemistry tests and demonstrate the proper technique with at least one of the containers. Emphasize that the fourth bullet is THE basic technique that must be used for ALL of these tests The use of chemicals in Field Chemistry tests should be conducted with equipment over white pan

Conductivity Equipment
Field Measurements Conductivity Equipment Meter Calibration Must be calibrated for each sampling event Calibrate to 720 µS (standard solution is 718 µS) Remind volunteers: calibrate – To adjust a piece of monitoring equipment by measuring a known standard and correcting any differences found in the reading to match the standard The meters measure conductivity in µS (microsiemens) or mmhos (micromhos) – these two units are equivalent The conductivity meter on the left is an older version used by WW groups. The one on the right is the new version. We have found the most efficient and cost effective conductivity standard to be the individual pouches of standard. For Watershed Watch conductivity meters the standard solution used is 718µS – however, the meters we use only have readings by tens, so adjust the meter measurement in the standard to 720µS Why is calibration necessary? To ensure the meter is measuring correctly Old Meter New Meter

Watershed Watch Chain of Custody Record
Field Measurements Conductivity Equipment Watershed Watch Chain of Custody Record Meter Calibration Record meter calibration date on COC Must be calibrated within 24 hours prior to sampling event The COC contains a box in which to record the date on which the conductivity meter was last calibrated

Conductivity Equipment – New Meter
Field Measurements Conductivity Equipment – New Meter New Meter Calibration Display Hold/enter Calibrate Power Calibration Standard These are the features the volunteers must be familiar with in order to follow the directions for calibrating the new version of the meter and measuring the conductivity level in water

Field Measurements Conductivity Equipment These are the calibration instructions for the new version of the meter

Conductivity Equipment – Old Meter
Field Measurements Conductivity Equipment – Old Meter Old Meter Calibration Display Hold On/off Calibration Standard These are the features the volunteers must be familiar with in order to follow the directions for calibrating the older version of the meter and measuring the conductivity level in water

Field Measurements Conductivity Equipment Decrease Increase Some volunteers may have this older version of the conductivity meter. In order to complete the calibration of this version, the cap on the end is screwed off to reveal the two buttons used to increase or decrease the reading on the screen as the meter is held in the standard solution

Field Measurements Conductivity Equipment Calibration (Old Meter): Twist open lid on wider end (battery compartment) Place narrower end (electrodes) in calibration standard Press ON/OFF button and wait for display to stabilize When viewed from top, hold meter with white buttons on left Press the Increase (top) or Decrease (bottom) button until display reads 720 µS When display flashes 3 times, then shows ENT, the meter is calibrated Replace lid These are the calibration instructions for the older version of the meter

Water Conductivity Test Procedure
Field Measurements Water Conductivity Test Procedure Fill sampling container halfway with stream water Press Power (ON/OFF) button and allow to stabilize to 0 in air Place meter in sample, stir once, and wait for reading to stabilize Record result in µS Rinse container and narrower end of meter (electrodes) with distilled water Describe each step of the sample process

Field Measurements Remember to rinse the narrower end of meter (electrodes) and sampling container with distilled water! Additional reminder of the importance of rinsing equipment in preparation for the next sampling event

Water Temperature Test Procedures
Field Measurements Water Temperature Test Procedures Place thermometer at mid-depth of stream in location with constantly flowing water Leave thermometer there until reading stabilizes Record temperature in degrees Celsius (°C) Water temperatures are often not uniform throughout the water column. Holding the bulb of the thermometer at mid-depth in flowing water will help assure a more generally representative temperature reading.

Grab Sample SOP This presentation
is based on the “Kentucky Watershed Watch Stream Grab Sample Collection Standard Operating Procedure WWSOP02000” and is available from wwky.org Explain the information in this presentation was taken from the Kentucky Watershed Watch Stream Grab Sample Collection Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) WWSOP2000 and encourage all volunteers to read this SOP to gain a deeper understanding of the information. This document has been developed by the Kentucky Division of Water (KDOW) Water Watch Program as guidance for Watershed Watch Volunteers. These methods and procedures must be followed to ensure the accuracy, quality, and comparability of the data across the state.

Grab Sample Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) NEW Flip Book
ALWAYS use your flip cards as reminders at the stream!

Pre-sampling Information Watershed Watch Chain of Custody Record The sampling containers are pre-marked with a unique Site Number The Site Number should match the number on the “Chain of Custody Record” Explain the importance of checking your packet to make sure that you have one chain of custody form for each sample bottle and that the numbers match your site numbers. Be sure to discuss “Historic Site #” vs “Site #”. Because of the requirements of the new Watershed Watch database, site numbers will no longer include a letter to identify the basin in which they are located. However, the Historic Site Numbers which include the letter will continue to be listed on the Chain of Custody for continuity and recognition by the volunteers.

Pre-sampling information
I received a bottle with a site number I don’t recognize! Check the documents in your packet, you may have been randomly assigned to collect a blank or a duplicate Your basin may not currently use blanks and duplicates for additional quality assurance/quality control However, there is a possibility your procedures may change in the future or you may have opportunities for volunteers to participate in focus studies or special projects that will require this level of quality assurance Therefore, please include these slides and explain the need for each type and the differences that define them

Blank - A sample bottle filled while at the stream site with distilled water Serves as a check for possible contamination during sample handling or processing at the lab DO NOT indicate that the sample is a blank – the lab should not know The sample event coordinator randomly picks some sites for blank collection. The coordinator will generate a quality control sample site ID and send you a sample bottle and a chain of custody form along with your regular sample. This sample must be filled while at the stream site collecting your regular sample. Treat this exactly like any other sample, except fill it with distilled water instead of stream water. Distilled water can be purchased very cheaply at most grocery and drug stores.

Duplicate - A sample bottle filled with stream water at your site at the same time as your regular sample Serves as a check for variability among samples that should yield approximately the same lab results DO NOT indicate that the sample is a duplicate – the lab should not know The sample event coordinator randomly picks some sites for duplicate collection. The coordinator will generate a quality control sample site ID and send you a sample bottle and a chain of custody form along with your regular sample. Treat this exactly like your regular sample bottle and collect both stream water samples from the same location at your sampling site, either simultaneously or one immediately after the other.

Collection Procedures
Sample collection location Sample in an area of the stream where the flow is concentrated and where you can completely submerge the bottle without touching the bottom NOTE: these criteria apply to new sites only. Do not instruct volunteers with existing sites to move sample collection location. Our intent is to define the ideal sampling location without trying to define thalweg. The goal is to be able to always sample at the same location under a variety of stream flow conditions without bringing the sample bottle in contact with potentially contaminated sediments on the stream bottom, and in a portion of the stream that is constantly flowing to ensure a well-mixed and representative sample. So the location needs to be deep enough to accommodate the width of a variety of sample containers without bottom contact, but in a riffle or run rather than a pool. NOTE: It is important that you collect your sample at the same location each time

Concentrated Flow Location The red circle in these three photos are of the same concentrated flow location in the stream, taken from different perspectives. The three photos are intended to give volunteers a better idea of what they should look for in the stream when selecting their concentrated flow location from which to sample. The left photo is facing upstream, the middle photo from the right bank, and the right photo is facing downstream. For Low Gradient streams: In areas with slow flow, this concentrated flow location may be less apparent. Flow is often more uniform in these types of streams, so collect sample where the stream is narrower and/or shallower while still maintaining adequate depth to submerge all types of sample bottles.

Grab Sample Collection Grab sample - A small quantity of water collected for analysis as a representation of the condition of a waterbody at a particular moment in time Use caution when sampling in deeper water – watch out for deep pools! Note in the center picture, the sampler is wearing a personal flotation device (a good idea for deeper water and when wearing waders of any type). Explain mid-stream, mid-depth Explain that samples should not be collected in extremely low-flow conditions, when the stream is pooled, and there is not apparent flow between pools. Take caution not to contaminate samples with material from the bottom of the stream. Samples should not be collected when sample container cannot be submerged without fear of collecting sediment or other material from the stream bed. Enter stream at a downstream location Walk upstream to avoid disturbing bottom Collect sample at the same location each time in the middle of your concentrated flow location and at mid-depth of stream

For E. coli grab sample collection: Put on disposable gloves DO NOT RINSE BOTTLE Point mouth of bottle directly over surface of water, dip and scoop bottle upstream beneath water surface, and through water column in one swift motion to fill above line marked on bottle If preservative is in bottle, take caution to angle mouth so as not to spill any while collecting sample Cap container, leaving at least a small airspace at top to allow lab mixing Place in wet ice immediately NOTE TO AUDIENCE THAT THIS SLIDE AND THE NEXT SLIDE ARE THE TWO MOST IMPORTANT SLIDES OF THE ENTIRE PRESENTATION INSTRUCTORS MUST DEMONSTRATE THIS COLLECTION PROCEDURE AT THIS POINT E. coli – shortened form of Escherichia coli, bacteria that live in the gut of warm-blooded animals and that are used as an indicator of the possible presence of pathogens Wet ice - A mix of ice with clean water added until the ice is just covered, maximizing contact with the sample container for consistent cooling of the sample. This is considered a preservative. Wet ice will be further explained in a later slide The gloves are used to protect the sample from any bacteria the sampler may have on his/her hands. Bottles used for collection of samples for bacteria analyses are sterilized, so no rinsing is required. Because the inside of the bottles are sterile, take caution not to touch the inside surfaces of the bottle or cap. The angle of the bottle and the positioning of the bottle under the surface of the water during sample collection is necessary to avoid any floating material that will contribute to the bacterial count and skew the results from actual bacterial levels in the water column. Explain the concern associated with pouring off some of the water to leave an airspace at the top of the bottle for mixing. If you pour off water and the level in the bottle is then below the EPA fill line marked on the bottle, you cannot reuse that bottle. You are required to re-collect the sample in a clean bottle which you will not have available. This means you cannot collect a valid sample and your time has been wasted.

For grab sample collection other than E. coli: Put on disposable gloves Rinse bottle with stream water three times (fill bottle ¼ full of stream water, cap, shake, and discard downstream) Point mouth of bottle upstream (against the flow), submerge entire bottle to mid-depth of stream, scoop and fill Rinse cap in stream and cap bottle Add preservative (if necessary) and place in wet ice INSTRUCTORS MUST DEMONSTRATE THIS COLLECTION PROCEDURE AT THIS POINT Again, the gloves are to protect the sample from any contaminants the sampler may have on his/her hands. When discarding rinse water, be sure to empty the water from the sample bottle at a point behind you (downstream) so as to avoid any potential contamination of your sample to be collected from a point in front of you (upstream). Preservatives are usually strong acids or bases. These can be very damaging to body tissues such as skin, eyes, hair, etc. Use extreme caution when handling these preservatives and avoid any contact with exposed areas of your body. The use of gloves and eye protection are required for this procedure. Upon accidental contact with body tissues, flush the affected areas with large amounts of water and seek immediate medical attention.

Preservation Samples must be kept immersed in wet ice
Ice is a preservative. It cools the sample to a temperature that effectively slows any biological activity that could skew the sample results. Wet ice is ice that has been mixed with clean water to produce a “slurry”. This insures constant contact with all parts of the sample bottle(s) and an assurance of consistent cooling of all samples at required temperatures without fear of freezing them. Ice cubes or blocks alone, or blue ice, are not adequate. They leave many air spaces and cannot have contact with the entire bottle(s). Therefore, cooling is not consistent or controlled. Samples must be kept immersed in wet ice (but not frozen) until received by laboratory Some samples may require other preservatives (check your sample event packet)

Preservation Sample Holding Time:
length of time a preserved sample can be stored after collection and before it is analyzed without significantly affecting the results from the minute you collect a sample, the clock starts ticking on the holding time varies for different types of analysis established by the US Environmental Protection Agency Discuss with students the possible restrictions on time due to lab hours on Saturdays. Most labs are not open on Saturdays, but some make special arrangements for Watershed Watch sample events and accept samples outside regular hours. Remind volunteers to complete field chemistry tests before taking grab sample – to avoid using up valuable hold time

Preservation Sample Holding Times E. coli = 6 hours maximum
Other than E. coli = Follow holding time instructions received in your sampling event packet Discuss with students the possible restrictions on time due to lab hours on Saturdays. Most labs are not open on Saturdays, but some make special arrangements for Watershed Watch sample events and accept samples outside regular hours.

Recordkeeping Watershed Watch Chain of Custody Record Volunteer entries on the Chain of Custody Date and Time of sample collection Field Observations and Measurements Re-iterate the importance of date and time NOTE: the “Date sample taken” and “Time sample taken” are VERY important. The lab will use this time to determine whether the sample arrives to the lab within the prescribed holding time. NOTE: the “Relinquished By” and “Received By” Time/Dates must be IDENTICAL in each row. For E. coli the relinquished/received dates must match the “Date sample taken” EVERY TIME THE SAMPLE CHANGES HANDS the Relinquished By and Received By spaces must be completed and the Time/Dates of that transaction must match. If they don’t, the chain of custody will be broken. ALSO the next time the sample is handed off the person who previously “Received” the sample will be the person who “Relinquishes” it. If this isn’t recorded correctly, the chain of custody will be broken. Date and time of sample Relinquished/Received must be identical Cross through any mistakes and initial – do not erase

Something new on your chain of custody form
Watershed Watch Chain of Custody Record COC _ID: 1234 There is now a COC ID number on the top of each chain of custody form. This number changes with every sampling event. This number ties your sampling site to a specific sampling event. Inform sampler’s that the COC ID number changes with every sampling event. This number is so their results can be entered into the KGS database.

RESULTS Results will be posted on the Kentucky Geological Survey
website after the basin data manager and KY Watershed Watch have reviewed for errors

Recertification and Grab Sample) Training:
Phase 1 (Program Logistics, Field Chemistry and Grab Sample) Training: Your sampling and field testing skills are considered current for three years after completing WWKY-approved training Training updates must be completed at least every three years In addition, chemicals must be replaced every three years for your field test results to be accurate. These chemicals should be replaced at your training update. Recertification The updates and certification for grab samples help us as an organization stay current with the latest protocols and sampling techniques Regular (3-year) updates are only necessary for grab sampling

Environmental Safety IMPORTANT: If you observe an outfall, pipe, or anything that might indicate illegal pollution of a waterway, contact Kentucky Division of Water to report complaints or concerns at during business hours. For environmental emergencies such as spills of gas, oil or other substances, contact the Environmental Response Team at The only time you should contact the Environmental Response Team is for an environmental EMERGENCY. This can be equated to the environmental version of “911”.

How do I find out more about my basin? Go to your basin’s
Watershed Watch Webpage through the “Quick Links” at: For questions about your local basin’s organization and activities, link to your basin webpage through the KDOW Watershed Watch webpage Many basins produce reports that compile all of the annual data, and can be found for specific basins at the appropriate “Quick Link” at:

Phase 2 – Biological and Habitat Assessment
Biological Assessment Benthic Macroinvertebrate Collection and Identification Methods Classroom and Streamside Instruction Briefly describe the Biological and Habitat Assessment program (Phase 2) Use this as an opportunity to invite volunteers to participate in this program and explain the value of pairing Phase 1 information with Phase 2 information to more fully describe/explain their stream site/watershed Note that Phase 1 training is a prerequisite to Phase 2 Habitat Assessment Stream and Watershed Investigation Methods Classroom and Streamside Instruction

Streams are constantly changing
GRAB SAMPLE & FIELD CHEMISTRY Instantaneous water quality Quick process Specific pollutant analysis BIOLOGICAL & HABITAT ASSESSMENT Water quality over time Takes more time Collective pollution indication VS. Streams are the epitome of dynamic systems, as they are constantly changing A grab sample and/or field chemistry assessment provide a relative view of the overall quality of a stream at any given moment. The section of stream that is polluted today may be flushed clean next week. A sample collected a week after a spill, for example, may not indicate that the pollution had occurred. A sample taken while pollution is occurring could determine any specific pollutants. The effects of pollution, however, may be dramatic, and are reflected in changes in the variety and abundance of macroinvertebrate populations and/or changing habitat conditions. Biological/habitat assessments provide a relative view of the overall quality over time in the stream. It would not tell you what type of pollution had occurred, but is a collective indicator of pollution. Stress the value of pairing grab sample/field chemistry with the biological/habitat assessments

Recertification Training:
Phase 2 (Biological and Habitat Assessment) Training: Your sampling and assessment skills are considered current after completing WWKY-approved training You will be notified that training updates are required if modifications are made to WWKY methods Recertification The updates and certification for grab samples help us as an organization stay current with the latest protocols and sampling techniques At this point, updates are only necessary for grab sampling

Questions? If you have any questions after today’s workshop,
please contact your “Area Coordinator” or the KY Water Watch Office at NOTE: trainers should communicate to volunteers who the appropriate contact person is for their basin. Individual basins need to provide contact information for their new volunteers, should they have future questions about the program. Remember, you are not alone. Your first point of contact is your area coordinator or basin leadership. You can always reach someone (during normal business hours) to answer questions at the KY Water Watch Office

Participant Agreement Records: Accurate contact
information Equipment loaned Site(s) selected Training received Please pull out your “Participant Agreement Form” This is a record that you have been trained as a certified water sampler. You will receive a copy of your agreement from the Water Watch office along with an Associate ID card. This outlines the various activities we are asking you to participate in, identifies what locations you want to sample, lists any equipment we provide you with today, and includes a disclaimer/agreement. By completing this form, we can be sure you get the materials and support you need to start to work. It is important that we have accurate contact and shipping information so we can coordinate with you during the sampling events. We need a USPS shipping address for shipping sampling materials, your preferred phone number for our area coordinators to contact you, and a current address (assuming you have one) so we can reach you that way.

Fill out Participant Agreement Form, sign and turn into trainer
We would like to take some time to help you complete your forms. We have maps and other information available to help you pick your sites. Once you complete your form, sign and date it and turn it in. We will now issue the necessary equipment. After we finish this process, we will come back together for the field chemistry section of this workshop (BREAK) Fill out Participant Agreement Form, sign and turn into trainer

KENTUCKY WATERSHED WATCH RECERTIFICATION – PHASE 1

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KENTUCKY WATERSHED WATCH RECERTIFICATION – PHASE 1

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Presentation on theme: "KENTUCKY WATERSHED WATCH RECERTIFICATION – PHASE 1"— Presentation transcript:

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