pH

pH is the measure of relative acidity or alkalinity of water. Water with a pH of 7 is considered neutral. pH levels less than 7 are acidic, while pH levels higher than 7 are basic (alkaline). The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14.  The pH of the water can affect the biochemistry of organisms in the stream and affect what organisms can live in the water.

1

Step 1: Rince tube thoroughly in the stream or river

3     4

Step 3: Wearing safety goggles, add TWO (2) drops of green indicator solution. Mix sample and solution by inverting the tube.

2

Step 2: Fill tube to the top of the first clear section with sample to be tested

5     6

Step 4: Place sample into color comparator and turn color wheel until sample matches ONE (1) of the colors on the wheel. Read pH number in the window on the front of the black box.