Rivers and Streams Field Methods home page.

Water samples are collected just below the stream surface to measure water chemistry and test for algal toxins. Bacteria samples are also collected near the stream bank, where people are likely to be exposed while swimming or fishing. All samples are sent to laboratories for analysis.

A crew member in the field pouring water from a pitcher into a sampling bottle. Photo by EPA

How are these data used?

Water samples are used to collect data for four chemical and two human health indicators.

Water Chemistry

Human Health

Where are water samples collected?

Water is collected at specific points
in the stream depending
on the indicator.
Schematic of stream segment, with one transect at the midpoint and another at the upstream end.

To learn more, see the
NRSA Field Operations Manual.