San Diego Watershed Monitoring Program

Instructions for Proper Use of Sampling Equipment

I. Bag Labeling Instructions

Using a Sharpie marker, please label each sampling bag with the following
information. The first 4 things can be labeled prior to departure to field.

□ Site ID

□ Watershed Name

□ Date

□ Sampler’s name

□ Time (fill out in field just before

sample is collected!!)

(If the bag is wet, wipe the bag with paper towel first, then label with sharpie.)

ONCE THE BAGS ARE LABELED YOU CAN BEGIN COLLECTING YOUR
WATER SAMPLES.

WARNING: Only collect a sample when the water source is flowing. If the
water source is stagnant, do not collect a sample unless the water source
flows on top of an unpaved surface or natural bottom. Be sure to note on the
data sheet if you are unable to collect a water sample and why.

II. Sample Collection and Storage

□ Fill two (2) 100 ml (small) Whirl-Pak sampling bags
□ Fill four (4) 500 ml (large) Whirl-Pak sampling bags

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Instructions for Proper Use of Sampling Equipment

□ A Total of 6 Whirl-Pak sampling bags are collected at each Sampling

Site and stored on ice in the cooler. Remember to keep this cooler
shut at all times to maintain a cool, constant temperature.

ATTENTION: Fill the sample bag up to the white line or top of the designated
labeling area of the Whirl-Pak bag and allow for some air space.
Air space is needed to allow the bacteria in the sample oxygen to stay alive.

III. Water Quality Analysis Checklist (Monitor in the shade if possible!)

□ Put on gloves to avoid contact with sample.
□ Measure Air Temperature in the shade with thermometer. Record
Instrument ID number and obtain 3 data results.
□ COLLECT (1) 500 ml (large) Whirl-Pak bag to use for WATER
QUALITY ANALYSIS. ONCE THE ANALYSIS IS COMPLETED
YOU MANY DISCARD THIS BAG & ITS CONTENTS.
□ Measure Water Temperature with Digital Thermometer. Record
Instrument ID number and obtain 3 data results.
□ Measure Dissolved Oxygen using DO Meter. Record Instrument ID
number and obtain 3 data results.
□ Measure pH with pH meter. Record Instrument ID number and
obtain 3 data results.
□ Measure Electrical Conductivity (EC) using EC meter. Record
Instrument ID number and obtain 3 data results. Note the units!
□ Discard sample bag & water used to collect this field data (the 500
ml Whirl-Pak).
□ Return all water monitoring kit (including all equipment), cooler and
six total samples from each site to the San Diego Coastkeeper training
site for analysis.
□ Wash your hands thoroughly after water monitoring is complete. Feel
free to use the hand sanitizer provided as frequently as you feel
necessary.
□ Use new gloves at each site.

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 San Diego Watershed Monitoring Program
Instructions for Proper Use of Sampling Equipment

IV. Complete the Field Data Sheet (please print legibly)

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 San Diego Watershed Monitoring Program
Instructions for Proper Use of Sampling Equipment

SAMPLING TECHNIQUES:

There are several ways to safely collect a water sample. It all depends on the

accessibility of the water source:

• When the sample source is directly accessible, you can collect a sample by
hand.
• When the water source is below a bridge, a sampling bucket can be used.
• A sampling pole can be used when the water is difficult to reach at an arms
length.

Also, only collect a sample when the water source is flowing. If the water

source is stagnant, do not collect a sample unless the water source flows on top

of an unpaved surface or natural bottom. Please note if the water source is

stagnant on data sheet.

ATTENTION: Do not completely fill the Whirl-Pak with the water sample. Fill

the Whirl-Pak bag up to the white line or top of the designated labeling area

allow for some air space. Air space is needed to allow the bacteria in the sample

oxygen to stay alive.

Hand Sampling Technique

Use the hand sampling technique when the water source is directly and safely

accessible. Once you are ready to collect a water sample, break the seal to the

Whirl-Pak to open. Do not place fingers into the bag, you may contaminate the

sample! Place the bag a few inches below the surface of the water and with one

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Instructions for Proper Use of Sampling Equipment

swooping motion collect the water sample. If not enough volume is collected,

collect a new sample with the same Whirl-Pak, or use another Whirl-Pak bag and

transfer more water into the previous bag. Collect the sample against the water

flow to allow the water to flow directly into the Whirl-Pak. Once the sample is

collected, seal the bag by holding the wire ends of the bag taught and whirling

the bag in one direction several times (this takes some practice). When the bag is

very, very tight, twist the wires together to form an air-tight seal. If it’s not tight,

unravel and whirl again until you get a good seal.

Sample Bucket

When the water source is beneath a bridge, collect the water sample using a

sampling bucket. A rope is tied to the end of the bucket. Lower the bucket to the

water source and fill; pull it back up to your level. Rinse the bucket out 3 times

before collecting your water samples or collecting measurements. Once you are

ready to collect a water sample, break the seal to the Whirl-Pak to open. Do not

place fingers into the bag, you may contaminate the sample! Collect water

samples with your Whirl-Paks directly from the bucket. Once the sample is

collected, seal the bag by holding the wire ends of the bag taught and whirling

the bag in one direction several times. When the bag is very, very tight, twist the

wires together to form an air-tight seal. If it’s not tight, unravel and whirl again

until you get a good seal.

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Instructions for Proper Use of Sampling Equipment

You may perform water quality analysis directly from the bucket. You may need

to fill the bucket a few times to have enough water to fill all the sample bags and

record water quality information.

Sampling Pole

A sampling pole is used when the water body can not be accessed at an arm’s

length or by using a sampling bucket. Once you are ready to collect a sample

wrap the wire ends of the Whril-Pak to the metal prongs of the sampling pole.

When the Whirl-Pak is secure and you are ready to collect a water sample, you

may break the seal of the bag. Submerge the opening of the bag a few inches

below the surface of the water and with one swooping motion collect the water

sample. If not enough volume is collected, collect a new sample with the same

Whirl-Pak, or use another Whirl-Pak and transfer more water into the previous

bag. Collect the sample against the water flow to allow the water to flow directly

into the Whirl-Pak. Once the sample is collected, seal the bag by holding the

wire ends of the bag taught and whirling the bag in one direction several times.

When the bag is very, very tight, twist the wires together to form an air-tight seal.

If it’s not tight, unravel and whirl again until you get a good seal.

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 San Diego Watershed Monitoring Program
Instructions for Proper Use of Sampling Equipment

COLLECTING SAMPLES:

1. Always wear the plastic gloves provided to

collect all samples at all locations.

2. Collect 4 Large bags & 2 Small bags per site!

Fill to the ‘white line’ and be sure there is air

space. These samples need to be stored on ice

in the cooler provided. Remember to keep the

cooler shut at all times to maintain a cool,

constant temperature.

TIP: Make sure you write the time of collection on

the bag just before you collect each sample!

th
3. Use a 5 Large bag to collect an additional sample. This sample will be used to

take all water quality measurements. Discard this bag and sample when

finished recording all necessary measurements in the trash bag provided.

4. Return all water monitoring kit (including all equipment), cooler and six total

samples from each site to the San Diego Coastkeeper training site for analysis.

Wash your hands thoroughly after water monitoring is complete. Feel free to use

the hand sanitizer provided as frequently as you feel necessary.

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 San Diego Watershed Monitoring Program
Instructions for Proper Use of Sampling Equipment

COLLECTING WATER QUALITY DATA IN THE FIELD:

Important Note: Perform tests in the order listed below!

Perform all water quality analysis in one 500mL whirl pack bag. Discard this

bag and other trash in provided trash bag after data collection.

Conduct 3 measurements for each analysis and record results on your data sheet

1) Air Temperature: LaMotte Enviro-Safe Thermometer

1. Record instrument ID # onto data sheet.

2. Find a shaded area in open space (under a tree, under an overhand, etc.).

You can create shade by turning your back to the sun if no shade is

available.

3. Place thermometer into air. Hold the thermometer at an arms length away

from your body and record the temperature.

4. Allow the thermometer reading to stabilize for at least 1 minute and record

temperature.

5. Allow an additional 30 seconds between readings.

6. Obtain a total of 3 measurements.

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Instructions for Proper Use of Sampling Equipment

7. Return air thermometer to sealed bag dry.

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 San Diego Watershed Monitoring Program
Instructions for Proper Use of Sampling Equipment

2) Water Temperature:

Fisher Scientific Traceable® Thermometer

1. Record instrument ID # on data sheet.

2. Make sure thermometer is switched to TEST and

°C. Remove protective cover and switch

thermometer ON.

3. Place thermometer in water gently (as to not

introduce oxygen into the sample). Do not allow

thermometer to touch the bottom or sides of the

water sample bag. Record the temperature in a

shaded area while holding the sample and

thermometer at an arms length away from your

body.

TIP: Do not submerge the instrument too far into the water –it is not waterproof and

will therefore stop working! Only the probe should be touching the water.

4. Allow the thermometer to stabilize for at least 1 minute and record

temperature.

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Instructions for Proper Use of Sampling Equipment

5. Allow an additional 30 seconds between readings. (You may "freeze" reading

by accidentally moving the switch to the HOLD position. If this should occur,

make sure you return to TEST mode before recording a temperature).

6. Obtain a total of 3 measurements.

7. It is important to turn this instrument OFF. It does not have a battery

conservation mechanism, and it will stay in the ON position until manually

turned OFF!

8. When finished, rinse thermometer with DI water, replace protective cover and

store in sealed dry bag. You do not need to dry the probe, it is best to store

wet.

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Instructions for Proper Use of Sampling Equipment

3) Dissolved Oxygen:

Fisher Scientific Traceable® Digital Oxygen Meter

1. Record instrument ID # on data sheet.

2. Switch unit to mg/L (DO) position and

press POWER button to turn ON. Be sure

0.0 is displayed on the screen. If the screen

displays a different value please note the

value in the data sheet.

3. PLUG in the OXYGEN PROBE to top of

unit labeled INPUT. Connect probe by

properly aligning pins and pushing

connector in gently.

4. Gently remove the red cap from the probe by using just your finger tips and

very carefully easing it off slowly. Do not twist of pop off! Improper and

careless cap removal is the main way the tip of the probe can crack, which

inhibits the instrument ability to function to its full potential.

5. To measure the dissolved oxygen content, immerse probe 5 to 10 cm into the

water sample and move it gently in a circular motion at a constant, steady

pace until reading stabilizes.

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Instructions for Proper Use of Sampling Equipment

6. The DO measurement will continue to decrease gradually. Therefore, record

the first value after 1 minute to allow the probe time to adjust.

7. Wait 30 seconds between measurements.

8. Obtain a total of 3 measurements.

9. Press POWER to turn the DO meter OFF. If you do not press a button for 10

minutes, the meter will automatically shut off to conserve battery power.

10. After use, rinse the probe thoroughly with DI water. Store the probe

membrane wet by putting the red cap back on the probe gently and carefully.

The cap does not need to be jammed on tightly; it is sufficient to just place it

on the very end to cover the membrane.

CAUTION: DO NOT USE THIS MACHINE TO MEASURE WATER

TEMPERATURE. ONLY USE THE WATER THERMOMETER TO MEASURE
WATER TEMPERATURE.

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 San Diego Watershed Monitoring Program
Instructions for Proper Use of Sampling Equipment

4) pH: OAKTON Instruments pHTestr 3 Double Junction

CAUTION: DO NOT USE THIS MACHINE TO MEASURE WATER
TEMPERATURE. ONLY USE THE WATER THERMOMETER TO
MEASURE WATER TEMPERATURE.

1. Record instrument ID # on data sheet.

2. Remove cap.

3. Press ON/OFF button to switch Testr ON.

4. Place probe 0.5-1.0 inches into water sample, only the

probe needs to be immersed. Stir gently a few times and

wait 1 minute to let the reading stabilize.

5. Allow an additional 30 seconds between readings.

6. Obtain a total of 3 measurements.

7. Press ON/OFF to turn Testr OFF. If you do not press a

button for 8.5 minutes, the Testr will automatically shut

off to conserve battery power.

1
8. Rinse the electrode with TAP WATER and replace cover. You do not need to

dry the instrument; store the probe wet.

1
Tap Water is a combination of Colorado River water and water from Northern California. In San Diego County,
95% of our water is imported from other (faraway) places!

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 San Diego Watershed Monitoring Program
Instructions for Proper Use of Sampling Equipment

WARNING: DO NOT PRESS THE “CAL” BUTTON. THIS IS FOR

CALIBRATION PURPOSES ONLY. IF YOU DO, BY ACCIDENT, PRESS THE

“CAL” BUTTON, SIMPLY TURN THE INSTRUMENT OFF AND THEN ON

AGAIN BEFORE TAKING ANY MEASUREMENTS. PLEASE MARK THIS

ON YOUR DATA SHEET.

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 San Diego Watershed Monitoring Program
Instructions for Proper Use of Sampling Equipment

5) Conductivity/TDS/Salinity: LaMotte TRACER PocketTester

1. Record instrument ID # on data sheet.

2. Remove cap.

3. Press ON/OFF button to switch PocketTester ON. Once

turned ON the instrument should display SELF CAL.

4. The instrument is already in Conductivity Mode (µS). Do not

change this mode.*

5. Once the SELF CAL display disappears from the screen,

immerse the PocketTester in your water sample 1.5 inches or

more.

6. Stir gently a few times and wait 1 minute to let the reading

stabilize. Record the conductivity while the probe is still in

the water.

* Be sure to pay close attention to the units. The meter tends to change units

from µS to mS between sampling sites. Be sure to read and record the correct

units for each measurement.

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 San Diego Watershed Monitoring Program
Instructions for Proper Use of Sampling Equipment

7. Do not press the “CAL” button. This is for calibration purposes only. If you

accidentally press this button, simply turn the instrument off, and then turn it

back on to resume testing. Mark this on your data sheet.

8. Allow an additional 30 seconds between readings.

9. Obtain a total of 3 measurements.

10. Press ON/OFF to turn PocketTester OFF. If you do not press a button for 10

minutes, the PocketTester will automatically shut off to conserve battery

power.

11. Rinse the electrode with DI water and replace cover. Do not dry the

instrument; store the probe wet.

WARNING: IF YOU DO, BY ACCIDENT, PRESS THE “CAL” BUTTON,

PLEASE MARK THIS ON YOUR DATA SHEET

CAUTION: DO NOT USE THIS MACHINE TO MEASURE WATER

TEMPERATURE. ONLY USE THE WATER THERMOMETER TO
MEASURE WATER TEMPERATURE.

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 San Diego Watershed Monitoring Program
Instructions for Proper Use of Sampling Equipment

MEASURING WATER FLOW:

Instructions:
1. Equipment needed: sampling pole marked with 1-foot increments, stop
watch, and a leaf or twig (please find at sample site).
2. Set the sampling pole alongside (parallel to) the water source.
3. Drop the ‘leaf’ just before the end of the sampling pole. Be sure to start
the timer just as the ‘leaf’ passes the end of the sample pole.
4. Stop the timer when the leaf hits the 3-foot mark.
5. Note the time on the section labeled Speed on the field data sheet.
Repeat three times to obtain 3 speed measurements.
6. An example of a speed measurement would be 10 seconds/ 3ft.

Flow Measurement Diagram

Sampling pole:

Leaf traveling in this direction 

1 ft 2 ft 3 ft 4 ft 5 ft 6 ft

1 Foot increments (not drawn to scale)

Start Stop
Timer Timer

Start the timer when the ‘leaf’ passes the end of the sampling pole. Stop the
timer when the ‘leaf’ travels to the 3-foot mark.

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 San Diego Watershed Monitoring Program
Instructions for Proper Use of Sampling Equipment

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

WHAT DO I DO THE BATTERY SYMBOL IS FLASHING ON MY

INSTRUMENT?

Definitely indicate this on your data sheet. If the instrument is having trouble

staying ON, this probably means the battery power is too low to function. In this

case, do not take this measurement at all and record “N/A” on the data sheet.

Knowing that an instrument has low or no battery power allows us to change the

batteries for the next water monitoring event. If we see that a measurement looks

way off, and it was indicated on the data sheet that the battery power was low,

we may decide to disregard that piece of data to maintain the integrity of the

data. Thank you for your diligence!

WHAT DO I DO IF I GET QUESTIONED BY THE POLICE WHILE

MONITORING?

If you should get questioned by the police while monitoring, or parking for

monitoring, just politely explain that you are a volunteer for San Diego

Coastkeeper and you are conducting a periodic water quality test. They may ask

to see your personal ID. If so, simply show them your ID and answer any

questions they have; most times that is all they need and will be on their way. If

they should have any questions you can’t answer, or you just feel more

comfortable having them speak with a Water Monitoring Program Associate, just

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call one of our cell phones: Karen Franz (619) 358-5126 or Lillian Luong (626) 602-

5244.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I GET STUCK IN THE MUD?

Don’t panic! It’s bound to happen if you’re in a muddy area. This is why you are

wearing boots, and why you work in teams. Have your teammates help pull you

out of the mud. If after you are unstuck you feel exhausted and done with water

monitoring, just finish filling out the data sheet for that particular site (even if it

is just “N/A”s if you can’t access the water body) and head back to the training

site with all your equipment. If you are unstuck and have the energy to keep

monitoring- rock on! If your boots are muddy, please use the trash bag provided

to transport them back to the training site so we can wash them properly for the

next use.

WHAT DO I DO IF I RUN OUT OF WHIRL-PAK BAGS?

Please count your bags and call us so we can advise you on how many samples

to take at each site.

WHAT DOES “OL” MEAN ON THE CONDUCTIVITY METER? IS IT

BROKEN OR DID I DO SOMETHING WRONG?

OL stands for “Over Limit”, and it means that the conductivity in the sample

exceeds the recording limit. OL usually indicates seawater intrusion or over-

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saturation of other inorganic dissolved solids such as chloride, nitrate, sulfate

and potassium anions; or sodium, magnesium, calcium, iron, and aluminum

cations.

IF I HAVE A QUESTION, WHO SHOULD I CALL?

You can call Karen at (619) 358-5126, or you can reach Lillian at (626) 602-5244.

The office number is (619) 758-7743; the lab extension is 115, and Karen’s

extension is 113.

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