Exploring+the+Quality+of+Natural+Waters

== = = =Pre-lab=

Read the background material in the student guide and answer the following for each of the 9 characteristics used to rate the health of natural water.


 * What is the name of the test parameter?
 * Why is it an important parameter to test for in a natural body of water?
 * What is considered to be good to excellent result for each of the test parameters?
 * What is a the purpose of the "water quality index" and who created the index?
 * What is each WQI "weighting factor" based on?

Read through each test protocol and determine which test must be done on site and which tests can be completed at school.

After answering the pre-lab go onto google maps and choose a natural water source that is near where you live. This will be your sample site. Print out a map of the site and record the exact location using latitude and longitude coordinates.