Bear River Local Data

Numerical data collected over time can help us understand what is happening with water quality. Your students will typically be able to understand the basics of water quality with their senses (feel the temperature of water, see water clarity) but interpreting raw water quality data can add a new dimension to their learning experience. This page contains some sample data sets, graphs of the data and links to larger data sets that you can explore with your class.  

 

Sample Data sets:
These data sets contain small sections of larger water quality datasets and are available to be downloaded as an excel file. All instructions and useful information, including application questions, can be found within each file.

Stream Temperature	Help your students discover daily changes in stream temperature as well as longer patterns of temperature change. These data are from the Logan River near First Dam in Logan.
pH	PH is a measure of how acidic or basic water is, which can either harm or help aquatic life. Use these data to understand changes in pH in the Little Bear River near Wellsville.
Turbidity	Turbidity is a measurement of how much sediment and other particles are in the water. Use this data set to teach your students about changes in the turbidity of Bear Lake.
Multiple Parameters	This data set contains stream temperature and dissolved oxygen for the Little Bear River at two locations: near Paradise and near Mendon. You can use these data to teach about how rivers change from one point to another.

  

Need some extra help creating line graphs in excel?
Get step by step instructions here. You can also use this information to help you.

 

Download water quality data sets from other websites:
United States Geological Survey - Water Use, Ground Water Levels, Surface Water Flow, pH, Specific Conductivity, Temperature

Utah Department of Water Quality - E. Coli, Great Salt Lake, Organic Matter, Alkalinity, Selenium

Utah Water Watch - pH, Turbidity, Temperature, Depth, Dissolved Oxygen, Salinity, TDS, Specific Conductivity, E. Coli

Bear River Watershed Information System -  Streamflow, Water Quality, Climate, Groundwater, Biology