Community Engaged (CEnR) Research

Citizen Science Toolkits

Water Quality Toolkit

Good water quality is important to the health of humans, animals, and the environment. Water quality is determined by its intended purpose, such as maintaining wildlife habitats or for human drinking water. The quality is defined by features such as how the water looks, what chemicals are in the water, and what’s living in the water.

The UC CEC Water Quality Toolkit provides students and community members the tools needed to analyze their local water quality. The toolkit includes a protocol of instructions and devices for measuring pH, which is a sign of how water is chemically changing, and total dissolved solids (TDS), which is the measure of salt and matter that is dissolved in the water. Protocols are available for both community and classroom use.

• Community Sampling Protocol
  
• Classroom Protocol: Student Booklet
• Classroom Protocol: Teacher Resource Guide
• Data Collection Sheet

• pH meter (ensure calibration powder is included)
• TDS meter and calibration solution
• Wash bottle
• Water collection cups with lids