Lake, Pond & Stream Protection:
Shoreline, Streambank & Lake Restoration | Toxic Algae | Water Quality Protection Practices | Water Quality Testing
Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring
UNL Lake Water Quality Extension Program
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A lake sample test kit is available free of charge for volunteer monitoring of lake water quality for this purpose.
Steps for volunteer testing
Volunteer participants will be sent a lake sample test kit complete with informational water quality materials, easy to follow water sampling instructions and two specially cleaned bottles.
One bottle is used to collect an algae sample from the area of the lake in question, the second bottle for a comprehensive lake water sample. The samples are then shipped to UNL for microscopic analysis, at which point the abundance and type of algae present in the first sample are determined. Within a few days after samples arrive in the lab, UNL will notify the volunteer of the microscopic algae results which allows the participant to make an informed decision on whether or not to conduct further laboratory analyses. If desired by the lake owner, the second water sample can then be used for algal toxin or nutrient (pollutants) analysis.
Baseline or screening tool
Most volunteers use the test kit as a screening tool to test for toxic algae within their lake; others use it for establishing baseline or trend data associated with their lake. Most find participation in the program to be a very educational experience as it equips lake owners, users and managers with useable data and provides a point of contact for future lake water quality issues.
Contact Us for more information or to get involved.
Tadd M. Barrow
516 Hardin Hall
Lincoln, NE 68583-0995
(402) 472-7783 Fax: (402) 472-2946
tbarrow2@unl.edu
