Question

Suppose you wanted to know if the water in a certain stream is safe to drink. Which ecological methods would you choose, and why?

Answer 1

Water quality testing would be the best approach.

Explanation:

Water quality testing involves taking samples of the water and sending it to a lab for analysis. This needs to be done more than once and preferably at different times of the year and ideally over many years or decades. It may also be necessary to take samples in different geographical locations along the stream. Lab results will usually report on a number of parameters including; dissolved oxygen, fecal matter, ions, and any toxic elements in the sample.

The results of lab analysis of water then need to be assessed by an expert and compared against any national drinking water standards that exist.