Waterwatch day

On Friday, we met up with a small group of local homeschoolers to learn how to do water testing to determine the health of the Hunter catchment area.  Some of us had done this a few years ago, so it was a good refresher and we learnt new information as well.

It was in a beautiful spot on the Williams River at Dungog - and we had perfect weather.  Not too hot, not too cold!

Firstly they gathered together to listen to what we'd be doing.  We then continued down to the river and did a site assessment - things like how much vegetation was there, was the area affected by erosion, pollution etc.

They were then taught how to take the water sample...

And the kids took it in turns to do their own...

They then measured air and water temperature,

measured the pH of the water..

a perfect 7 in this case,

then measured the salinity of the water (measured by electrical conductivity),

and the turbidity of the water (how clear it is).

Then after lunch, we went back down to the river and did dipnetting and bug identification.

Thanks to the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority for a great day.