We are happy to announce a roll out of Community Creek Water Testing!

Starting this spring on second Saturday of each month we will have volunteers collect water samples at various locations of the watershed and then bring them to a lab for analysis. Creek waters will be tested for:

● Fecal Indicating Bacteria Analysis: Detection of Enterococcus and E. coli to assess microbial contamination in water sources.

● Fluorometry: Measuring fluorescence in water samples to detect organic compounds and algae presence.

● Inductively Coupled Plasma Analysis(ICP ): Detection and quantification of metals and trace elements in water samples.

● Ion Chromatography (IC): Preparation and filtration of water samples for accurate chemical testing followed by precise analysis of dissolved ions in water samples, including nitrates, sulfates, and chlorides.

● Turbidity Measurement: Assessing water clarity and sediment levels using advanced turbidity meters.

● Onsite water quality monitoring of temperature, dissolved oxygen, and conductivity, pH testing.

This all became possible due to our partnership with Community Science Lab at Bard College, Department of Earth Science at Vassar College, Riverkeeper and Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries.

Volunteers will be trained in safe water sample collection techniques. “Runners” to the lab will get a chance to learn how to use advanced lab testing equipment!

Interested? Know someone who might? Get in touch! fishkillwatershed@gmail.com