Assessing Water Quality

1. Evaluate the site by observation.
2. Capture and identify algae and insects. Since some types of insects and algae are more tolerant of pollution than others (Euglena thrives in polluted water, whereas Batrachospermum lives in water with low levels of organic pollution), the insects and algae present in the water can provide clues on its quality.
3. Test pH, ammonia, temperature, dissolved oxygen, nitrite, and nitrate.
4. Run a panel of definitive chemical tests. These tests are the most expensive, so they should only be used if the water's problem has not been sourced during earlier testing.