Basically the process is simple - take a water sample,
drop it off for analysis, once a month.

To get clean bottles:

The plan is to have bottles available all day on Fridays various locations around the county.

Take the number of bottles you think you will need. If you don't use them one month, keep them for the next month.

At each location, there will be a cooler with empty
sample bottles and instructions on taking samples.

Sampling:

Sampling Time:

It is most effective for our "synoptic measurement" if the samples are taken between 8 and 10 a.m. on Saturday. In any event, note the time of collection on the bottle along with the other information.

Location:

Pick a site that is convenient for you to collect. If it duplicates another person's site, we'll be happy for the duplicate. We desire to have a broad distribution of sample sites. We also want the fullest participation by the community. If you are able and willing, we know of sites that need collectors, and we'd be delighted to have you sample one of them.

Where in the stream?:

Safety. Make sure you keep yourself safe. Many streams have steep banks, some have deep areas. Be safe, real safe.
Sample the fastest flowing part of the stream. This may not be possible from the stream banks; but do the best you can. We have designed a sampling basket that can be lowered from the bridge to get the central, fastflowing portion of the stream. Ask us if you want to use one. The training is very, very easy.

Cleanliness protocol:

Rinse the bottle with the water you will then collect. Get some water in the bottle, shake it in the bottle, and be sure to rinse the bottle top. Then collect as full a sample bottle as possible.
Notes: Each bottle has a label on the outside for you to complete. Use pencil or pen or sharpie, but not something that will easily wash off. We generally write on the bottle BEFORE taking the sample because a wet bottle is often difficult to write on. Complete as much of the label as possible.

Sample Drop-off

Where: The drop-off sites are the same as the bottle pick-up sites. If you wish, you can pick up clean bottles for next month’s sampling at the same time you drop off the filled sample bottles.

Laboratory Analysis

Where: Boyd Hall, Western Drive, Miami University, Oxford
When: Analyses begin at 11:00
What: There are many procedures to do and measurements to be made. Even if you can only help for an hour, that hour will really help us out. Jobs include, checking in samples. labeling petri dishes, and conducting tests. We won't throw you in at the deep end, we will train you for whatever responsibility that you help with.