A Water Field Study

Introduction

When studying water quality, there are many measurements that can be made. In this experiment, you will measure water temperature, total dissolved solids (TDS), and pH in a stream, lake, or river. Water temperatures in streams can range from 0°C in the winter to above 30°C in the summer. Cooler water in a stream is generally considered healthier than warmer water. Problems generally occur when changes in water temperature are noted along one stream on the same day. If the water temperature changes by even a few degrees, it could indicate a source of unnatural warming of the water. Many industries use river water in their processes. The water is treated before it is returned to the river, but it is warmer than it was before. Runoff entering a stream from parking lots and rooftops is often warmer than the stream and will increase its overall temperature.

Objectives

In this experiment, you will

• Use a Temperature Probe to measure water temperature.
• Use a Conductivity Probe to measure the total dissolved solids in water.
• Use a pH Sensor to measure the pH of water.
• Make visual observations at the test sites.
• Compare water quality.