Water Chemistry Monitoring

Watershed Watch volunteers collect basic field chemistry as part of their monitoring activities. This includes measurement of water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and conductivity.  Some volunteers may also have access to equipment that enables a numerical rating of the water's turbidity.

Water Chemistry Monitoring Resources

KYWW Training Module 3 provides guidance for conducting water chemistry analysis. Please view the video and take the completion quiz prior to attending an in-person training workshop.

Sampling Resources:

Data Form - print for recording sampling observations and measurements 

Instructions for completing the Data Form

Landowner Permission Form for Sampling on Private Property

How to Measure Temperature 

How to Measure pH 

How to Measure Conductivity 

How to Measure Dissolved Oxygen 

Water Chemistry Equipment and Supplies

Dissolved Oxygen
LaMotte Dissolved Oxygen Water Test Kit
Reagent Refill

pH
LaMotte Wide Range pH Kit
Reagent Refill

Temperature
Thermometer

Conductivity
Oakton EcoTestr™ EC1 Waterproof Pocket Tester
Calibration Standard (32 oz. bottle)
Calibration Pouches

Plastic dishpan, vinyl gloves

Optional Items:

Turbidity  (optional)
Turbidity Tube (see videos from Utah Water Watch and Alliance for Chesapeake Bay)

A turbidity tube can be used as a more accurate measurement  for this water quality indicator of suspended sediments and other  turbidity factors.
Instructions for making a Turbidity Tube