Sampling programs

This training enables you to analyze aquatic chemistry and collect a water sample for laboratory analysis. We encourage you to find a sampling partner, which makes it easier and more fun!

After completing this instruction, you will receive supplies to measure the following water quality indicators at your chosen stream or river location:

• Temperature

• pH

• Dissolved Oxygen

• Conductivity

• Bacteriological (E. coli)

Click here to watch a video of a typical Watershed Watch stream sampling experience.

Habitat Assessment training enables you to assess your stream's ability to support aquatic life through adequate habitat in the stream corridor. 

Biological Assessment Training enables you to collect and identify macroinvertebrate creatures in your stream to help you further understand your stream’s quality.  Some organisms can tolerate more pollution, and others are more sensitive.  The presence or absence of certain macroinvertebrates tells you about longer term water quality conditions than the “snapshot” conditions of one-time sampling results. 

The Lake Monitoring Program provides you with training in direct measurement and observation techniques used to track the health of a lake or reservoir over time. A mobile app makes reporting data straightforward, and an interactive map of results allows you to track the health of lakes and reservoirs across the Commonwealth. Results are also used to verify and improve remote sensing models used by the Kentucky Division of Water to rapidly assess large expanses of waterways.   

The 4-H Stream Program is designed to train youth as citizen scientists who are able to conduct scientific investigations about streams across the Commonwealth, determining if these waters are healthy. This program is a collaboration between Watershed Watch in Kentucky, Kentucky Division of Water, Kentucky Water Resources Research Institute, Jackson Purchase Foundation, Inc., and the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment departments of 4-H Youth Development and Entomology.