As there are many varieties of water quality monitoring equipment on the market, Ribbons of Blue has tested and built up a reliable mix of scans, meters, and photometers for use within the program. This equipment is cost effective and reliable, and also meets the data confidence requirement of the program and presents a consistent form of data for the National Waterwatch Database. Coordinators in most regions have equipment available for loan to school and community groups.
Groups wishing to purchase equipment should contact their Regional Coordinator for recommended makes, types and models. Coordinators are also able to refer groups to companies for quotes and purchase of equipment, saving everyone the task of locating manufacturers or distributors.
Regional Coordinators are trained in the use and calibration of recommended equipment and can offer a high level of support to participating groups. Groups buying recommended equipment are supported by Ribbons of Blue with solutions for calibration and data quality checks. Coordinators supply solutions four times a year to registered monitoring groups, as well as providing many other support services. Therefore, it is important to stay in touch with your Regional Coordinator!
Water fleas (Cladocera) are tiny crustaceans, some species have large antennae which assist in swimming. Sometimes river pools in the south west have large populations of the giant cladoceran Daphnia carinata.
