Designed as a 90 minute workshop to introduce participants to E. coli and Enterococci monitoring in surface waters. Participants learn about these indicator organisms’ importance and relevance for monitoring recreational waters, and about sources of bacterial pollution in surface waters. Demonstrations and/or hands-on training in use of the methods and opportunity for data results comparison were provided for IDEXX, Coliscan Easygel, 3M™ Petrifilm™, and LaMotte BioPaddles. These resources provided improve understanding and capacity to carry out bacteria monitoring in surface waters as well as to present bacteria data effectively. (Presented at the 2014 National Water Quality Monitoring Council Conference, Arpil 30, 2014 Cincinnati, Ohio.)
Resources
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Workshop Materials
2014 NWQMC Bacteria Workshop Presentation (slide show)
List of Bacteria Methods Video Links (pdf)
Additional Resources List (pdf)
Volunteer monitoring of E.coli in streams of the upper Midwestern United States: a comparison of methods (pdf article)
Coliplate testing methods (weblink – for information only, not an endorsement)
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Citizens Monitoring Bacteria (CMB) Project Resources
CMB Monitoring Manual (58 pg pdf)
CMB Sampling Plan (3M Petrifilm) (2 pg Word.doc)
Petrifilm – E.coli/coliform Count Plate Interpretation Instructions (6 pg pdf)
CMB Equipment List (1 pg Word.doc)
CMB Data Sheet for Petrifilm (1 pg pdf)
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Guide to Growing Extension Volunteer Monitoring Programs – Bacteria Factsheets
The website links in the following factsheet modules should be active – just click on the URL to get to that resource:
Introduction to Bacteria Monitoring (8 pg pdf)
Bacterial Monitoring Methods (10 pg pdf)
Presenting Bacteria Data (6 pg pdf)
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Guide to Growing Programs – Other Modules
Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring (2 pg pdf)
Why Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Makes Sense (4 pg pdf)
Getting Started – Finding Resources in the Guide for Growing Extension Volunteer Monitoring Programs (4 pg pdf)
- Matrix of Monitoring Activities (4 pg pdf)
- Equipment Suppliers List (6 pg pdf)
Designing Your Monitoring Strategy: Basic Questions and Resources to Help Guide You (12 pg pdf)
Training Volunteer Water Quality Monitors Effectively (12 pg pdf)
Building Credibility: Quality Assurance and Quality Control for Volunteer Monitoring Programs (14 pg pdf)
Sharing Information Through Internet Exchanges (2 pg pdf)
Volunteer Management and Support (16 pg pdf)
Considerations for Planning Your Program’s Data Management System (14 pg pdf)
From the Trenches – Tips and Tools for Better Presentations (10 pg pdf)
Fundraising for Volunteer Monitoring (12 pg pdf)
Tools for Effective Outreach (6 pg pdf)
Evaluating Your Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program (8 pg pdf)
