A: E. coli equipment is not expensive. See our equipment page for more information.  The added time in E. coli monitoring is not significant. Monitors will have to get used to identifying coliny forming units and planning for incubation time periods. They can send in photos to their partner to double check their count.

A: Micrology Labs has an FAQ for dealing with equipment such as the expiration of coliscan. Coliscan is sugar water and as it ages or is left out of the freezer, the intensity of the colony colors will decrease. Texas Stream Team suggests mailing coliscan orders directly to the monitor so they are out of the freezer for less time.

A: When a volunteer seems to cease data submission, contact the volunteer and ask to get their kit back. One partner (LCRA) must receive 9 of 12 months of data collection events per year. If not the volunteer will return kit and receive framed award in exchange.

A: The most dedicated volunteers can make the best trainers. If they are interested in going above and beyond the time they are already committing, they may make a suitable trainer. Master Naturalists who monitor often already have the dedication and leadership skills necessary to train others.