Education

Stream biomonitoring assesses macroinvertebrate communities in streams, coastal areas and watersheds to find indicators of watershed health. Training combines a stream bioassessment with field collection of macroinvertebrates to calculate biotic index. Being trained in biomonitoring methods is a great way to assess waterbody health, enable youth to visualize how healthy ecosystems supports living organisms, and may indicate if water quality is impaired beyond recommended water quality standards.

Bacteriological monitoring is for detecting indicators of fecal contamination such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) and other coliform bacteria in water. Bacterial monitors are trained in areas of water science, bacteriological monitoring, and data interpretation. Bacterial monitors help monitor local watersheds for potentially unhealthy conditions, such as wildlife or human waste contamination.

Water chemistry monitoring is testing physical and chemical characteristics of water to determine pollution sources and trends in water quality over time. Water chemistry monitors are trained in areas of water science, water chemistry monitoring, and data interpretation. Water chemistry monitors help monitor local waterbodies for potentially unhealthy conditions, such as high levels of pollutants or low dissolved oxygen.