Step 2: Test Your Water

Now it’s time for learners to become community scientists. Testing a local waterway helps participants to connect science to place — and contribute real data to a global movement.

  • Collect water samples from a local site
  • Test key water quality indicators
  • Record and interpret results
  • Discuss what the data reveals about ecosystem health

What to Test

Anyone can participate in the EarthEcho Water Challenge, testing surface water quality for key indicators like temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity.

EarthEcho's global database also allows you to submit dozens of additional measurements, including macroinvertebrate counts, giving participants the flexibility to explore water health in their own way, using any equipment they have access to.

Want to dive deeper into macroinvertebrates? Check out MacroBlitz, a great resource for identifying and counting aquatic insects and other critters in your local waterway.

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Need Equipment? Order a Water Challenge Test Kit

Getting Started: Use the Water Challenge Guide

EarthEcho Water Testing Kit Instructions

Select a language

Video Tutorials

Step-by-step videos show how to test water, measure accurately, and make sense of your results using EarthEcho’s Water Challenge test kits.

Testing Dissolved Oxygen
Testing Turbidity
Testing Dissolved Oxygen
Testing Temperature
Testing Dissolved Oxygen
Testing Dissolved Oxygen
Testing Dissolved Oxygen
Testing pH

Safety & Preparation

Before heading outdoors:

  • Review safety procedures
  • Gather supplies
  • Check weather and site conditions

After Testing

Once you have collected and recorded your water quality data ➡ Move to Step 3: Take Action.