Service Learning: Water Quality Testing

Bernardo Hendriks
Class: Mcfarland
Hours: 10am-1:15 pm
Date: June 11, 2017
Supervisor:  Kacie McCarty

I participated in Water Quality Testing event on June 11, 2017.  This event was sponsored by EdCC Anthropology Dept. & Center for Service Learning, supervised by Kacie McCarty (kacie.mccarty@edcc.edu).

This event collected data on the water quality of the Japanese Gulch in Mukilteo, WA. Our group tested pH, alkalinity, and turbidity of the water from the stream. We also identified some plants around our vicinity. As volunteers, we participated in collecting data that may be included in the Salmon Monitoring report and presented to Snohomish County Airport, City of Mukilteo, and other organizations to help aid in the restoration of the stream.

Each test that we did (pH, alkalinity, hardness, turbidity) explained what the water from the stream contained.  When we tested the pH, the water fell on 8.0 on the scale, which means that it is fairly neutral.  Alkalinity determines who easily the water can change pH when different substances are added.  In other words, it acts as a buffer to the water.  The higher the alkalinity, the harder it is to shift its pH when different stuff is mixed.  The water from the Japanese Gulch tested high alkalinity, which is a good indication.  Turbidity determines how much "stuff" is in the water, such as dirt from the floor of the stream and the outside environment, the nutrients the water carry, etc.  Different levels of turbidity affects different types of aquatic life in the stream in different ways.  In our case, we wanted the Gulch to have a level between 0 and 5, and the test showed that it was indeed in between (I forgot the actual number :( )

This event was eye opening to me.  Prior to this, I only cared if the water in the streams that I encountered (through hikes and such) is drinkable or if it has too much bacteria.  This event showed me that there is a lot more things happening within our streams that cannot be seen with the naked eye, more than whether if it's clean enough to swim or drink.  It also reminded me that we as individuals and as residents of the Earth should take care of our homes, which included the water and the environment surrounding it.  Human activities, the kinds that produces pollution and other harmful effects on our environment can negatively impact these streams and the life within it.  It is our duty to reduce such damaging acts to protect our natural home.

Questions that came up after the event:

What practical ways can we do to help protect our water and overall environment?

What other things are happening within our water that can be tested other than pH, alkalinity, and turbidity?

What are the conditions of other Gulches within our area?

What types of life does our water support other than the obvious, such as salmon and other fish?