Starting in 2012, UWW has trained 1,331 citizen scientists.

Some volunteer feedback:

"It (Utah Water Watch) is interesting and fun. We have had four neighborhood children join us this year."

"I enjoy learning new things, gaining new skills, and making a difference in my community."

UPCOMING EVENTS

E.coli IDEXX Method

IDEXX Method

Idexx

E.coli, also known as Escherichia coli, is a bacterium that is found in the intestines of warm blooded animals. E.coliis a good indicator of health risks in fresh water and is currently recommended for testing of E.coli instead of fecal coliform bacteria.

For the full procedure, check out the Utah Division of Water Quality Standard Operating Procedure for collecting and handling of Escherichia coli (E. coli) samples here. Simplified instructions for Utah Water Watch are in the tabs above.

Contact us (waterquality@usu.edu, 435-797-2580) if you numbers are above 400 MPN/CFU. Here is the health advisory flow chart for 2A and 2B waters.

For more information about the Utah Division of Water Quality E. coli monitoring, go here.

lake

Reservoirs/Lakes
Steps	Illustration
Check and record GPS coordinates of sampling site.
Label three 120 ml bottles with sampling location, replicate number, time, and date.
Prepare the field blank (if necessary) using distilled/deionized water (one field blank per trip).
Take a thermometer and the three 120 ml sterile sampling bottles you labeled out into the reservoir until approximately knee deep.
Record water temperature. For instructions on how take the water temperature click here.
Gently invert and fill up the first replicate bottle at a depth of 12-18 inches. Make sure to fill the bottle to the 100 ml mark as accurately as possible.
Replace lid securely and mix by shaking the bottle.
Walk 10 feet in one direction, parallel to the shoreline to fill up the second replicate.
Walk ten more feet in the same direction, parallel to the shoreline, to fill up the third replicate.
Store samples on wet ice or ice packs. Deliver samples to the laboratory within 8 hours for processing.

Rivers/Streams

Steps	Illustration
Check and record GPS coordinates of sampling site.
Label three 120 ml bottles with sampling location, replicate number, time, and date.
Prepare the field blank using distilled/deionized water (one field blank per trip).
Take a thermometer and the three 120 ml sterile sampling bottles you labeled out into the thalweg (main flow).
Record water temperature. For instructions on how take the water temperature click here.
Gently invert and fill up the first replicate bottle just below the water surface. Make sure to fill the bottle to the 100 ml mark as accurately as possible. Repeat with the next bottles.
Replace lids securely and mix by shaking the bottles.
Store samples on wet ice or ice packs. Deliver samples to the laboratory within 8 hours for processing.

Analysis and Quantification

Preparation and sealing:

Make sure to turn on incubator and sealer an hour before starting so that they have time to warm up.
Wash hands or put on gloves.
Pour one packet of Colilert reagent is poured into each bottle.
Gently swirl bottle until reagent is fully dissolved, may take a few minutes if the sample is cold.
Squeeze the sides of the 97-well Quanti-tray to open, being careful not to touch the inside of the tray.
Pour entire 100mL sample into the tray and place well side down on the rubber sealer insert.
Tap the tray to remove any air bubbles.
Feed sample through the sealer with the opening of the tray facing away from the sealer.
Place the trays evenly into the incubator and incubate at 35 ±0.5°C for 24-28 hours (18-22 hours if using Colilert-18).
Remove the trays from the sealer and quantify the results.

Quantification:

There are 49 large wells and 48 small wells that are counted individually Cells both yellow and fluorescing represent the presence of E. coli Yellow cells represent the total coliform present

Count the number of yellow wells (large and small) and record on the data sheet provided. This indicates the presence of coliform bacteria.
Count the number of both yellow and fluorescent wells (large and small) under UV lighting and record on the data sheet. This indicates the presence of E. coli bacteria.
Use the IDEXX MPN chart to determine the concentration / 100mL sample.