The best way to determine the status of your water body is through direct measurement. Many key indicators must be measured in order to get an accurate assessment. Just looking at a lake or pond won't tell you what the dissolved oxygen level is; it must be measured. The more frequently you record data, the better you can tell what is happening over time, and this will help you recognize trends that can be used to make future predictions. Sampling can also help identify and predict potential problems before they become serious, such as fishkills.
The most common type of sampling is for water quality and fisheries assessment. Different techniques can be used. Determine the best one for your application by looking at your budget, manpower, time and resources. Some parameters can only be measured in a laboratory, but many handheld instruments and test kits are available. Let us know what your sampling needs are, and we can help you determine the best instrument or tool for your application.

Lake characteristics commonly sampled:

• Dissolved oxygen—surface, thermocline and bottom
• Water clarity (Secchi depth, turbidity)
• • pH—morning and afternoon
• Chlorophyll
• Alkalinity
• Phosphate
• Nitrogen
• Fish populations