Water Quality Indicators

Macroinvertebratees

A biological indicator that surveys the "bugs" (visible animals without backbones). GOOD water includes pollution intolerant species like mayfly, stonefly and caddisfly.

Microorganisms

A biological indicator that surveys the microscopic "critters" in the water. GOOD water has NO giardia, e.coli or cholera.

Biodiversity

A biological indicator that surveys the number and variety of species in and around the water. GOOD water has HIGH variety and numbers of species.

Suspended Sediment

A physical indicator that tells how much dirt is floating in the water. GOOD water has LOW amounts.

Runoff

Precipitation that flows over land into streams and rivers ending in oceans

Nitrates

A chemical indicator that indicates the water is contaminated by animal waste (poop) or fertilizer (poop). GOOD water has LOW levels. These lead to the overgrowth of aquatic bacteria.

Phosphates

A chemical indicator that indicates the water is contaminated by detergent or chemical fertilizer. GOOD water has LOW levels. These lead to the overgrowth of aquatic bacteria.

pH

A chemical indicator that tells how much acid or base is in the water. GOOD water is close to NEUTRAL (7.0).

Carbon Dioxide

A chemical indicator that tells how much carbon dioxide is dissolved in the water. GOOD water has LOW levels. Too much suffocates aquatic animals.

Dissolved Oxygen

A chemical indicator that tells how much oxygen is dissolved in the water. GOOD water has HIGH levels so aquatic animals can breathe.

Hardness

A chemical indicator that tells the amount of dissolved minerals (especially calcium and magnesium) in the water. GOOD water has LOWER levels.

Salinity

A chemical indicator that tells the amount of salt dissolved in the water. GOOD fresh water has LOW levels.

Turbidity

A physical indicator that tells how cloudy the water is. GOOD water has LOW levels which means the water is clear and easy to see through.

Temperature

A physical indicator that tells how hot or cold the water is. GOOD water has a LOW level because it holds more DO and slows bacteria growth.

secchi disk

A white + black plate-sized disk attached to a rope, that when lowered down into the water measures turbidity.

Bioindicators

An organism that is sensitive to environmental conditions and is one of the first to respond to changes; Some are visible with the naked eye and some require a microscope.

Water Quality

Describes the suitability of water for a specific purpose. Looks at chemical, physical and biological indicators as clues to determine overall quality.

Chemical Indicators

Indicators of water quality that describe the chemicals in the water. You CANNOT see them just by looking.

Physical Indicators

Indicators of water quality that describe the physical aspects of the water. You can see some of them, but you need to measure others.

Potability

Safe/ suitable for drinking.

Stewardship

The act or job of protecting and being responsible for something; taking care of our water environment.

Remote Sensing

The collection of data from a distance.

Water Movement

The flow or movement of a substance under influence of pressure from an area of greater pressure to an area of lesser pressure; the current of a substance.

point-source pollution

pollution that can be traced to one location such as a drainpipe or a smokestack

nonpoint-source pollution

pollution that cannot be traced to one location, such as runoff from lawns, roads, farms, and factories