Trend monitoring is the primary testing method used by Water Watch. To get an accurate picture of a stream's water quality, tests have to be performed on a regular basis, once a month over a period of years. Trend monitoring gives a broad view of the stream that allows us to sort out the seasonal variations from long-term changes. In order to get useful data for trend analysis, a group should consider the long-term commitment involved in this type of monitoring.
This involves a short-term series of tests over a number of sites. This testing covers a period of one or two weeks sampling all major tributaries in the watershed. Comparisons are then drawn geographically instead of over time. Results can be logged and graphed for comparison. This is an intensive short-term project that can provide some useful information in locating water quality problems; however, results can be misleading due to seasonal variations noted above. We would like to encourage you to conduct a "Stream Characterization Exercise" with your remaining chemicals once you receive your replacement set. Record your data and submit it to us along with regular site information for analysis.
In case of a suspected water quality problem, your team could be called upon to conduct a search for the source. This would involve starting above the suspected source and sampling at regular distances downstream until the impact is no longer apparent. If no source is known, it would involve starting low on the watershed and proceeding upstream until the source is found. We have employed this procedure on occasion with good results. Should you be involved in such a study, additional chemicals would be provided if needed.
This involves monitoring the discharge of an industry or wastewater treatment plant on your stream. This type of monitoring would require additional training and coordination. It would also involve strict reporting and procedural requirements. Equipment modifications would be necessary depending on the nature of the project.
Program Goals
What's Important.
How we test for it.