Environmental Monitoring Tools

As an environmental scientist in a wastewater treatment laboratory, I see firsthand how critical accurate data is for maintaining water quality. Our work ensures that treated water reenters the environment safely, but the same tools and methods our operators and technicians use are also essential for protecting local waterways, beaches, and watersheds like the Great Wicomico River.

Monitoring equipment connects the lab to the field. Understanding these tools not only supports compliance and safety but also empowers communities to manage their own watersheds with science-based insight. I will be going over some equipment my company uses and the brands that we take all the way back to the laboratory because we trust their products.

The YSI ProDSS (Digital Sampling System) is one of the most advanced field instruments used in environmental monitoring. It measures dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity, conductivity, temperature, and salinity simultaneously. Our technicians use it for both plant process checks and field sampling in creeks, stormwater channels, and coastal waters. Its waterproof design allows operators to collect high-quality data even in challenging environments, and built-in GPS ensures spatial accuracy. This makes it ideal for long-term monitoring of tidal creeks and estuaries, such as those feeding into the Great Wicomico River. The main drawback is cost and the need for frequent calibration, but the precision it offers makes it the gold standard for environmental monitoring.

The Hach HQ1140 Series Portable Conductivity/TDS Meter is a digital handheld meter designed for measuring conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), salinity, and temperature. It allows for easy sensor replacement and calibration tracking. Our company and similar agencies use this type of meter for routine field checks, grab samples, and process monitoring, where fast and reliable conductivity readings are needed. Because conductivity and salinity directly reflect dissolved ion content, this meter helps assess freshwater–saltwater mixing, potential pollution sources, and changes in nutrient levels, which are key indicators for estuarine health in areas like the Great Wicomico River.

For bacterial testing, we use the IDEXX Colilert and Enterolert systems, which detect E. coli and Enterococcus, the two bacteria used as indicators of fecal contamination under EPA water quality standards. Field samples from beaches or local waterways are mixed with IDEXX reagent and incubated for 24 hours. The presence of bacteria is confirmed by color change and fluorescence, allowing for fast, standardized results. These tests guide public health advisories and determine when local waters are safe for swimming or shellfish harvesting. Although consumables and incubation requirements add cost, the speed and consistency of this method make it essential for both municipal and watershed-scale monitoring.

For community-based watershed monitoring, a combination of tools provides the best results. The Hach HQ1140 offers affordability and simplicity for local groups or citizen scientists, while collaboration with agencies like VIMS, VDH, or the Chesapeake Bay Program can provide access to microbial testing when bacterial contamination is suspected. For research and professional applications, the YSI ProDSS remains unmatched in accuracy and durability.

In conclusion, water quality monitoring begins with reliable data and the right equipment. The instruments used every day by our operators and laboratory staff reflect the same environmental priorities that drive watershed stewardship. We want to protect public health, maintain ecological balance, and preserve the region’s coastal heritage. In a watershed like the Great Wicomico, where fishing, aquaculture, and recreation are part of the community’s identity, these tools are more than just scientific instruments, they are essential safeguards for both the environment and the people who depend on it.