Malibu Creek Watershed

Monitoring Program

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What are we testing?

Through certified laboratory analysis, we are testing for a variety of water quality indicators, such as nutrients, bacteria, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, metals, bioassessment and toxicity.  For more in depth information on these indictors, you can click on the links or scroll down. 

Nutrients

Nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus are necessary for healthy waterbodies, but high levels of nutrients can cause a number of problems ranging from nuisance algal blooms and cloudy water to impaired drinking water and even endangering aquatic life.

Bacteria

Total coliform, fecal coliform, E. Coli and enterococcus are indicator bacteria, or microorganisms that indicate the presence of other types of harmful bacteria, viruses and parasites which may be present in water through contact with human or animal fecal matter.  Potential health risks, including fever and other intestinal diseases, are associated with these bacterial indicators.  High levels of these bacteria may be a result of malfunctioning septic tanks, broken sewer lines or pet waste.

Dissolved Oxygen

Dissolved oxygen measures the amount of gaseous oxygen (O2) dissolved in water.  All animals need oxygen to live, including fish and other aquatic life.  Extremely low or high levels of dissolved oxygen can lead to fish kills and indicate abnormal conditions in need of further investigation.

pH

Measuring pH determines the acidity or basic nature of water.  A pH range of 6.0 to 9.0 appears to provide protection for the life of freshwater fish and bottom dwelling invertebrates.  The pH of the water affects the toxicity of substances in runoff, such as iron, lead, chromium, ammonia and mercury.  As the pH falls, many insoluble substances become more soluble and thus available for absorption by humans and animals.  Very high or very low pH levels are detrimental to the natural aquatic life in this watershed.

Conductivity

Conductivity is a measurement of the ability of water to carry an electric current.  Conductivity in water is affected by the presence of inorganic dissolved solids, such as chloride, nitrate, sulfate, phosphate, sodium, calcium and certain metals.  Significant changes in conductivity can indicate that pollution has entered a watershed. 

Metals

Metals are micronutrients for aquatic plants and animals. They are required in trace amounts to build strong cell walls and membranes and contribute to cell growth, photosynthesis and respiration. Industrial activities may release excessive metals into the water through effluent discharge which can potentially poison aquatic life.

Bioassessments

The presence, condition and numbers of types of fish, insects, algae, plants and other organisms are data that together provide direct, accurate information about the health of specific bodies of water. Studying these factors as a way of evaluating the health of a body of water is called biological assessment.

Acute and Chronic Toxicity

Toxicity is the degree to which a substance can harm humans or animals and is usually measured as either acute or chronic.  Acute toxicity involves harmful effects in an organism through a single or short-term exposure.  Conversely, chronic toxicity is the ability of a substance or mixture of substances to cause harmful effects over an extended period, usually upon repeated or continuous exposure, sometimes lasting for the entire life of the exposed organism.