Freshwater quality

If you don’t have a net, you can collect stones from the streambed and collect the invertebrates that are clinging to the stones.

Macrophytes are large aquatic plants. How to assess macrophyte cover with just a measuring tape and a willingness to get wet.

How you can assess the types and amount of periphyton: communities of algae and cyanobacteria attached to the sediment surface or plants.

Phosphate is measured in SHMAK using the Hanna Instruments Phosphate Checker. Where to order phosphate checkers and reagents.

The nitrate test included in SHMAK is a colorimetric test. Where to order additional Aquaspex Microtest® Nitrate-N kits.

Temperature and conductivity are two easy measurements you can take in your stream. Here's how to use a temperature logger.

Some SHMAK tests require you to collect a water sample. If you are sending your water sample to a lab for analysis, here's a list of some water quality labs.

SHMAK is available as a starter kit, a standard kit and SHMAK+. Here we explain what is included in the kit and what extras you need to purchase on your own.

The various assessments in SHMAK are done over different lengths (reaches) of stream. Mark out the longest reach first, then shorter reaches.

SHMAK Stream Site Assessment - How to record some basic information about your stream site so you can interpret your results.

Health and safety is the most important element of any activity. Watch this video before you go out into the field.

Most of us are visual learners. So we’ve created some short videos that demonstrate the methods outlined in SHMAK.