Testing for Pollution at the pond

Why did we build a pond?

• attracts a diversity of wildlife by providing food and nesting sites.
• filters farm waste before entering the Potomac
• Can, if necessary serve as a water source for livestock 
• Can potentially become a great site for fishing.

Watersheds and the Potomac

 

• Chesapeake Bay Water shed
  • Piscataway Watershed

 

Potomac River flows North East, starting in Virginia

Ranges from 2-80 feet depending on area

Why are we testing for water health?

 

• The Pond is losing water due to a broken pipe. 
• The Potomac has a history of being one of America's most polluted rivers.
  • 90% of D.C. receives water from the Potomac
• So is it clean? No. It currently has a grade of B- from the Potomac conservancy

 

Pond Test

Dissolved Oxygen: Although water is made out of oxygen particles these particles are not available for use. Dissolved oxygen is made available to the pond from the Atmosphere.

 

Turbidity: Turbidity is the measure of water clarity. Bacteria, debris, and various waste can cloud water. 

 

Nitrate: Nitrate testing test for chemicals from fertilizers in our water source. In excess, fish find it difficult to live

 

Phosphate: Phosphate in excess can lead to increased algae growth by over fertilization and lead to Eutrophication.