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Physical, Chemical, and Biological
Water Quality Parameters

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MassWWP has adopted protocols for the following parameters. Click on the underlined parameters to view sampling methods (analysis methods sometimes included).
You can also check our Standard Operating Procedures page.
To measure these parameters, you will need to obtain some basic equipment.

 MassWWP Protocols
Protocols Developed Elsewhere
(leaving MassWWP site)

LAKE SOPs

RIVER SOPs

Field Data Sheet
(an Acrobat file)

Using a Sampling Pole
(an MS WORD file)
  • benthic macroinvertebrates
    MassWWP follows the River Network protocols, a modification of EPA's Rapid Bioassessment Protocols For Use in Streams and Wadeable Rivers:
    sampling protocol
    sorting protocol
    (These protocols for collection and subsorting of macroinvertebrate samples have been produced by the River Network. They constitute portions of their revised Living Waters manual, which is nearing publication. These protocols are currently under review by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. Once the review is satisfactorily completed, we will issue a notice of approval.)
  • optical brighteners
    an indicator in helping to identify faulty septic systems, sewage exfiltration, storm drain cross-connections, and human/animal waste differentiation (Eight Towns and the Bay site)
  • visual surveys of shorelines and watersheds
    see this Riverways site; MassWWP follows the Adopt-a-Stream shoreline survey guidelines
  • Watershed surveys for lakes, from Riverways
  • Standard Operating Protocols for Coastal Programs developed by Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve for Cape Cod and Islands Volunteer Water Quality Monitors

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updated 9/2/05 by MF Walk - MWWP Home - Contact MassWWP
MassWWP activities and web site supported in part by
UMass Extension's Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation