Bellingen Riverwatch Online Water Quality Monitoring Manual
Part 1. Must be done at the river

1.4. Water Temperature

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Equipment:

  • Latex gloves

  • Pole or dedicated BR bucket

  • Safety glasses

  • Thermometer

1. You should take the temperature in the waterway as close as possible to where you take the Dissolved Oxygen water sample (in the midstream where possible and safe).

If you need to use a sample pole to get as close to midstream as possible, loop the thermometer onto your sampling pole. If you are using a bucket, loop the thermometer onto the bucket handle.

2. Lower the base of the thermometer into the water and hold for one minute.

Important

3a) If you have waded out into the water to take the water temperature and are holding the thermometer, take the reading while the end of it is still in the water and when the reading stabilises.

3b) If you are are taking the water temperature from the end of your sample pole, leave the pole in the water for 3 minutes and then pull it in quickly and read the thermometer.

3c) If you are taking the water temperature using a bucket and rope, dip your thermometer in the water for 3 minutes and then take the reading while the end of it is still in the water and when the reading stabilises.

4. Rinse the thermometer with distilled water to remove any contaminants, dry and place back into the kit.

5. Record your result. Return to a safe location to test your sample.


Tip: If the blue alcohol liquid in the tube develops bubbles or separates Run gradually warmer water (>50°C) along the tube until the bubbles disappear or the liquid rejoins. Then let it cool slowly. The bubble should disappear. If not, repeat the process.

Packup:

Rinse the thermometer with distilled water to remove any contaminants.

Dry it using some paper towel.

Place it back into your kit.

  • Animals and plants have a preferred temperature range in which they can survive. Temperature change has a major influence on biological activity and growth of aquatic organisms. Also, the research undertaken into the Bellinger River Virus (the virus most likely responsible for the turtle mortality event of 2015 has been found to replicate at higher temperatures.