Overview
Protection and improvement of water quality is an important part of the mission of the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD). Success depends on data collection to be able to critically define water quality problems, make management decisions, and document effects of management strategies. Proposed and newly constructed District restoration projects within the Upper Ocklawaha River Basin required the collection of water quality and plankton samples from eight sampling networks that include sites in marshes, swamps, river, and lakes. Water & Air assisted the District in the collection of these data.
Task Summary
- Collection of surface and vertical profile in-situ measurements using Hydrolab and Li-Cor equipment.
- Collection and preservation of filtered and unfiltered water samples.
- Collection and preservation of phytoplankton and zooplankton samples.
- Accurate entry of field data into the District’s database.
Results
The project included the weekly, monthly, or quarterly collection of samples at more than 60 sites accessible by airboat, conventional boat, or by driving to the site. All sampling was conducted following strict sampling and quality assurance protocols. Water & Air successfully completed the project (in spite of four hurricanes impacting central Florida) by implementing a rigorous system of trained personnel and backup of boats and critical equipment.
