Certified Water Quality Monitor: Phase I, II, & III

Phase I training is a hands-on instructional session covering monitoring methods in a classroom setting. The Certified Trainer explains how to handle the monitoring equipment and demonstrates the tests to the volunteers. The volunteers then perform the tests under the close supervision of the Trainer. Adherence to safety procedures is emphasized. This phase of training takes approximately 3 hours.

Phase II training provides the volunteers the
opportunity to conduct the monitoring procedures in the field. Safety considerations in monitoring and site selection are emphasized. Whenever possible, the water body used for Phase II testing will be similar to the sites the volunteers will eventually monitor. The volunteers conduct the tests with limited assistance of the Trainer. The Trainer carefully observes the volunteers' procedures, answers any questions, and corrects obvious mistakes. Phase II training takes approximately 3 hours. Phase I and II trainings usually happen on the same day.

Phase III training is conducted as a one-on-one session with a Trainer and each volunteer or group at their monitoring site, preferably around the same time the volunteer(s) will regularly monitor. The Trainer ensures the sampling site is the same location indicated on the Monitoring Plan. The volunteer(s) conduct the tests and completes the monitoring form with little guidance from the Trainer. This session usually takes approximately 3 hours. When the Trainer believes each volunteer has successfully completed the three training sessions and the training packet is completed and signed, the volunteer is then considered a Texas Stream Team Certified Water Quality Monitor.

Certified Bacteria Monitor

E. Coli Bacteria Monitor Training often happens on the same day as core parameters trainings. This training usually takes 3 hours, and teaches volunteers why to collect bacteria data, how to collect a sample, how to plate and incubate samples, and how to count colony forming units. 

THE KIT
Texas Stream Team kits, supplies, and extra reagents must be ordered through LaMotte by your partner. To order a kit or re-stock your supplies, you will need to contact your Texas Stream Team Partner. If you are unsure of who your Texas Stream Team partner is please visit our Partners Page.