Freshwater quality

Two methods for describing streambed composition: the visual assessment method is quicker while the Wolman walk is more accurate.

Use an ice-cream tray to isolate and separate your invertebrates. The Benthic Macroinvertebrate Field Guide helps you with identification.

Before you look at what animals you have collected, follow these methods to clear away debris (stones, sand, leaves, twigs) from your sample in the net.

If your stream has a muddy-bottom or soft-bottom (made of silt or mud), you need to use a different method than if your stream has a stony-bottom.

Use a net & the kick-net method to collect a greater range of benthic macroinvertebrates and more accurately assess the diversity of the community.

If you don’t have a net, you can collect stones from the streambed and collect the invertebrates that are clinging to the stones.

Macrophytes are large aquatic plants. How to assess macrophyte cover with just a measuring tape and a willingness to get wet.

How you can assess the types and amount of periphyton: communities of algae and cyanobacteria attached to the sediment surface or plants.

Phosphate is measured in SHMAK using the Hanna Instruments Phosphate Checker.

The nitrate test included in SHMAK is a colorimetric test. You can order additional test kits from NIWA.

Temperature and conductivity are two easy measurements you can take in your stream. Here's how to use a temperature logger.

Some SHMAK tests require you to collect a water sample. You can use SHMAK to test some parameters, alternatively the water sample can be sent to a lab for analysis.