Science Fair Assistance (Water Quality)

Science fair projects are a great way to learn more about the natural world and how it works. Here are some ideas for testing water quality. DHEC doesn’t have science fair test kits available or test water quality for science fair projects. You might try contacting your local high school science department, or water or wastewater treatment center – they may be willing to lend assistance or access to water-testing equipment.

Water Quality Test Kits

It is possible to search out test kits and testing equipment from science catalogs (i.e. Sargent-Welch, Frey Scientific, Nasco, Boreal/Science Kit and many others - look in the Environmental Science section.) The test kits range quite a bit in cost and complexity. You should decide what is best for you and your budget.

LaMotte Company has a line of nonhazardous water testing kits for the “nonscientist” that are moderately priced, http://www.lamotte.com/pages/edu/tablet.html

Links to Science Fair project ideas, examples and tips

Science Fair Projects and Experiments: Freshwater Pollution - Topics, Ideas, Resources and Sample Projects
http://www.juliantrubin.com/fairprojects/environment/freshwaterpollution.html

St. Johns River Water Management District: Science Fair Projects
http://sjr.state.fl.us/education/sciencefair.html

An easy-to-understand explanation of water quality factors and values to expect:

The Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education (CIESE) Collaborative Projects -The Global Water Sampling Project: Teacher Guide: http://www.k12science.org/curriculum/waterproj/index.shtml, click on Water Testing Guide.

The companies and the links listed here are strictly for your information. DHEC does not endorse any of the products, processes, or companies listed.

Water Quality Information from DHEC

To learn about water quality in your local watershed, visit the Watersheds Web pages, http://www.scdhec.gov/environment/water/shed/.