Additional Resources for Trained MSWS Monitors

Ordering Supplies and Replacements

The MSWS program uses customized monitoring supplies adapted from the Alabama Water Watch program. All methodology and associated supplies have undergone scientific validation and are EPA-approved. You may contact the MSWS Office to request supplies or order supplies directly from the websites below.

Water Chemistry Monitoring Supplies

Please follow the instructions below to order the Water Chemistry monitoring kit. These links and instructions are also available in the Water Chemistry manual available to all certified MSWS citizens and trainers.

MSWS Water Chemistry Kit

• Alabama Water Quality Monitoring Kit w/Secchi Disk (code 9845-03) 
• Alabama Water Quality Monitoring Kit without Secchi disk (code 9844-02) 
• Alabama Water Quality Monitoring Kit Refills (code R-9844-01) 
• Replacement Chemicals)
• Individual Secchi Disk
• Latex Gloves
• Calculator
• D.O. Percent (%) Saturation Sheet

* Place orders with LaMotte via phone Customer Service Department from 8:15 AM to 5 PM EST, Monday through Friday at 800-344-3100 or 410-778-3100. Indicate the description, code, and quantity needed when ordering.

Water Bacteriological Monitoring Supplies

There are several supplies need for bacteriological monitoring. Please refer to the Sampling Checklist in the bacteriological manual available certified MSWS citizens and trainers.You may also contact the MSWS Office for more information.

Incubator

To order an incubator, follow the link: Hova-Bator Table Top Incubator

You may also create your own incubator for less than $10. A small cooler or other type of insulated container with a lid may be used as an incubator. Uniform temperatures may be maintained using a small light bulb such as a night-light attached to an extension cord. Use a piece of cardboard or plastic to shield the sample plates from direct light. A thermostat is not needed. The number and/or wattage of bulbs may be adjusted to maintain the proper temperatures, depending on the ambient room temperature and size of incubator. For example, a 4-watt bulb in a 1 cubic foot container usually makes a good incubator. A thermometer is needed to determine ambient incubator temperature.

Media and Petri Dishes

Follow the link below to micrologylabs.com and add the items to your cart. Before proceeding to check out, be sure to verify your quantities, ensuring that you have three petri dishes for each bacteriological sampling you plan to conduct.

• ColiScan EasyGel Media & Pre-treated Petri Dishes (Catalog no. 25001)  
• 1-mL sterile-wrapped pipette (Catalog no. DRP01) 

* Place your order by calling the LaMotte Customer Service Department from 8:15 AM to 5 PM EST, Monday through Friday at 800-344-3100 or 410-778-3100. Indicate the description, code, and quantity needed when ordering.

• Thermometer  
  • Click the link to order your thermometer. This thermometer may also be used when creating an incubator.
• Latex gloves are critical for safety and protection during bacteriological testing.You may order or buy these items from any seller. 

Stream Biomonitoring Supplies

• Kick net
• Student Grade Kick Net 
• Aquatic D-Net
• Sorting Trays (catalog number 1426A) 
  • You will need at least 3 pans per stream biomonitoring kit. To order, click the link and add the number 3 into the quantity box. When ordering more than 12, a bulk discount will be applied.
• Forceps 
• Thermometer 
• Observation cups
  • When ordering observation cups, please keep in mind that these are sold in a quantity of 24.
• You may order or buy the following items from any seller. Latex gloves are critical for safety and protection during bacteriological testing.
  • Buckets
  • Latex Gloves