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To complete this survey you will need:
· Waterproof footwear · Thermometer
· 100 foot measuring tape · pH Strips
· Clip board · Pencil/Pen
Getting Started:
Measure a 50-foot length alongside the stream.
Assess the stream using this survey form.
Please take a photo of the site if possible
Basic information:
Stream Name:
Site Location:
(including nearest street names)
Your name: Telephone number:
Date: Time survey conducted:
(e.g.12-12:30pm)
Most stream life in Hawaii has adapted to survive within a range of water temperature and can not tolerate extremes of hot or cold.
Temperature ________
pH is a chemical measurement of water. Hawaii's natural waters are usually between 6.5 and 8.5. At extreme high or low pH levels the water becomes unsuitable for most stream life.
pH_______
A clean and healthy stream that meets EPA’s water quality standards is both fishable and swimmable. When acts of nature or human activities impact the natural conditions of a stream, the clear water can become cloudy or show other unhealthy signs.
Does the water appear: Clear J Not clear L
Circled clear? Go to Section II.
Circled not clear? Please continue.
Circle:
0 – if not present
1 – if present
2 – if it clearly impacts the stream
0 1 2
Shiny or rainbow surface S S S
The shine and colors can indicate oil entering the stream from a pipe or storm drain.
Green water S S S
Fertilizers from lawns can seep into a stream, causing too much algae to grow, turning it green.
Brown or muddy water S S S
Too much dirt makes the water muddy, and can harm aquatic habitat and aquatic life.
Foam or suds S S S
Frothy water can indicate detergent in the stream, often coming from home uses and car washing.
Strange odors S S S
A chemical or rotten egg smell can indicate that chemicals or sewage is entering the stream.
Total:________
In order for fish and other stream life to survive, water temperature, oxygen and pH levels must be within a certain range. Is their stream life present?
0 1
Yes S No S
Total:________
Natural stream channels provide habitat for stream life and allow the stream to efficiently move water without harming the environment.
The stream channel is:
Natural J Channelized L
Circled natural? Go to “Bank Conditions”.
Circled channelized? Please continue.
Circle: 0 – if not present
1 – if present
2 – if it clearly impacts the stream
0 1 2
Channelized, with natural S S S
banks and stream bottom
Bank Condition
Are the banks 75% covered with plants?
Yes J No L
YES, go to Section IV.
NO, please continue.
Bare banks, no plants S S S
Banks damaged/washed out S S S
banks or in the stream
Total:________
The area beside a stream is called a “buffer zone”. The buffer zone may contain tress, grasses, and shrubs, which help to prevent erosion, and filter pollutants before they can enter a stream.
Are the streamside 75% covered with plants and vegetation?
Yes J No L
YES, go to Section V.
NO, please continue.
1 – if present
2 – clearly impact the stream
0 1 2
Streamside Conditions:
Trampled/barren S S S
Other:
Pipe outlets entering stream S S S
Total:________
Many land uses and activities can impact streams, coastal areas, beaches, and even the coral reefs.
Is there evidence of human land use or activity with in 50 feet of the stream: Yes S No S
Circled Yes? Please continue.
Circle: 0 – if activity is not present
1 – if activity is present
2 – if the activity impacts the stream
0 1 2
Agricultural/Livestock S S S
Rural/Single family housing S S S
Urban/Industrial S S S
Total:________