2018 – Verde River Institute – Water Quality By Drone

The Verde River Institute has conducted more than 1100 water quality samples using a drone-deployed sampler on the Middle Verde reach of the Verde River in the last 12 months. The parameters tested are: water temperature, pH, total dissolved solids, oxygen level (ppm), turbidity and E. coli (MPN). E. coli tests are done on an ad hoc basis, while all other parameters are taken as close to daily as possible. The raw data are all posted to the Verde River Institute website.

Testing results are analyzed for correlations (how is turbidity related to TDS, for instance), temporal effects (when is turbidity high), and spatial relationships (where is E. coli most likely to persists after a monsoon event?).

Water testing is ongoing and test results get more interesting as testing resolution is increased.

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