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Equipment

Texas Stream Team Monitoring Equipment Directory

Below are detailed lists of equipment for Texas Stream Team citizen scientists to conduct water quality monitoring. Texas Stream Team is a federally recognized state-wide monitoring program with an approved Quality Assurance Project Plan, therefore all monitoring must be conducted with the equipment listed in the sections below unless noted otherwise.

Texas Stream Team is entirely grant funded and is limited financially in our ability to help our growing state-wide citizen scientists of 11,000+. We highly encourage our citizen scientists and partners to seek alternate funding sources. To help guide our monitors to funding sources, we have created a Funding Sources Document. New partners and citizen scientists are more likely to receive Texas Stream Team funds to help them get established.

All pricing listed below is subject to change at the vendors discretion. To order supplies, simply visit the vendor’s website or call them directly. Some vendors may require you set up an account with a valid credit card. Also, please note, Weber Scientific only conducts transactions with major organizations. If you need supplies from this vendor, please fill out our Supply Request Form and notate you will be covering the supply costs so we can order the supplies for you and invoice your organization for reimbursement. Please note, this may add 2-3 weeks for delivery time.


Texas Stream Team Contact Information:

Phone: 512.245.1346
Email: TxStreamTeam@txstate.edu
Website: www.TexasStreamTeam.org

 

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ATTENTION: LaMotte provides the Texas Stream Team program with a 10% discount on eligible products; orders of 10+ of the same item receive a 20% discount. View LaMotte’s 2024 special price list. LaMotte does not have all these items/prices on its website, so you must call them at 800-344-3100 and mention Texas Stream Team when ordering to receive the discounted rate.

CompanyPhone NumberWebsite
Company
LaMotte *
Phone Number
1-800-344-3100
Website
www.lamotte.com
Company
Capitol Scientific
Phone Number
1-800-580-1167
Website
www.capitolscientific.com
Company
Lowe's
Phone Number
1-800-445-6937
Website
www.lowes.com
Company
Micrology Labs
Phone Number
1-888-981-3495
Website
www.micrologylabs.com
Company
Fischer Scientific
Phone Number
1-800-766-7000
Website
www.fishersci.com/us/en/home
Company
Big Apple Pet Supply
Phone Number
1-800-922-7753
Website
www.bigappleherp.com
Company
IDEXX
Phone Number
1-800-321-0207
Website
www.idexx.com/en/water
Company
Hach
Phone Number
1-800-227-4224
Website
www.hach.com
Company
Oakton Instruments
Phone Number
1-888-462-5866
Website
www.4oakton.com
Company
Nasco
Phone Number
1-800-558-9595
Website
www.enasco.com
Company
Weber Scientific **
Phone Number
1-800-328-8378
Website
www.weberscientific.com

* Listed vendor has a $50 purchase minimum. 
** Listed vendor only conducts transactions to major organizations. See introduction paragraph on how to proceed
.

Standard Core Water Quality Monitoring Equipment

Standard Core monitoring involves performing tests for parameters such as conductivity/salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, total depth, water and air temperature, and water transparency using a chemical Standard Core kit. In addition to these parameters, Standard Core citizen scientists also conduct various field observations.

 

Standard Core Monitoring Supplies

The supplies listed in the table below are necessary for starting your monitoring program. Please note, buckets, DI bottles, waste containers, goggles, and gloves can be upcycled or purchased from the vendor of your choice. The conductivity meter should be calibrated to a value closest to the observed values in the water body you will be monitoring. Purchase the conductivity standard closest to the values observed. Most water bodies in Central Texas will be around 600 μS/cm, however if you are unsure of which conductivity standard solution to use, email us and we can assist you.

ItemVendorPart #QtyPrice
Standard Core Kit*LaMotte - call directly to order kitXX01364-011$610.83
60 cm Transparency Tube**Avantor470106-8301$77.95
120 cm Transparency Tube**Avantor470106-0321$99.95
BucketLowes9544341$3.78
D.I. Water BottlesCapitol ScientificB7444-5006$113.64
Distilled WaterH-E-BN/A1 gal$0.91
Waste BottlesCapitol ScientificB6542-3224$125.60
GogglesCapitol ScientificBEL-24873-00001$23.77
Gloves - SAmazonMF-300-S1 pack$35.93
Gloves - MAmazonSG-375-M-Box1 pack$29.31
Gloves - LAmazonMF-300-L1 pack$28.68
Conductivity Standard (600 µS, 1L)Fisher ScientificNC94722431$25.93
Conductivity Standard (1413 µS, 1L)Fisher ScientificNC94853191$30.80
Refractometer****AmazonSTX-31$115.00

* The Standard Core Kit must be purchased by calling LaMotte directly.

** If use of the Secchi Disk is impractical due to the water body being too shallow or flowing too swiftly, a transparency tube may be used instead of the Secchi Disk.

*** Read the paragraph above for guidance on which conductivity standard solution to purchase.

*** A refractometer should be used instead of the conductivity meter in areas with higher salinity.

Standard Core Monitoring Replacement Reagents

The Standard Core water quality monitoring kit will need to be restocked as reagent are depleted or expire. The table below includes prices for replacement reagents.

ItemVendorPart #QuantityPrice
Wide Range Indicator SolutionLaMotte2218-G1$9.23
Sodium ThiosulfateLaMotte4169-H1$11.43
Alkaline Potassium Iodide AzideLaMotte7166-51$15.08
Sulfuric AcidLaMotte6141WT-G1$10.40
Starch indicator SolutionLaMotte4170WT-G1$8.82
Manganous Sulfate SolutionLaMotte4167-G1$12.06
Conductivity Standard (600 µS, 1L)Fisher ScientificNC94722431$25.93
Conductivity Standard (1413 µS, 1L)Fisher ScientificNC94853191$30.80

Standard Core Monitoring Replacement Equipment and Supplies

Equipment and supplies may become lost or broken. The table below includes items in the Standard Core monitoring kit that may need replacing.

ItemVendorPart #QuantityPrice
Secchi DiscLaMotte0171-CL1$0.54
Armored, Centigrade ThermometerLaMotte10661$28.67
Titrators & pink tips (0 to 10 Range)LaMotte3771$8.33
Titration tube, 20 mL w/ CapsCarolina6535931$4.15
Titrator tips (pink)LaMotte23573-31$0.81
Glass Bottles, 60 mLLaMotte0688-DO1$6.53
5 mL Test Tubes w/capLaMotte1061$4.23
Wide Range pH Octa-Slide 2 Bar (3-6.5)LaMotte2193-011$27.18
Wide Range pH Octa-Slide 2 Bar (7-10.5)LaMotte2196-011$27.18
150 mL plastic beakerLaMotte220111$4.23
Gray Conductivity Meter – PockeTesterTMLaMotte17491$152.96
Batteries for Gray Conductivity Meters - CR2032WalmartN/A20$9.98
Batteries for Beige Conductivity Meters - LR44 1.5VAmazonN/A20$19.49

Probe Core Water Quality Monitoring Equipment

Probe Core monitoring involves performing tests to measure parameters such as conductivity/salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, total depth, water and air temperature, and water transparency using a Probe Core kit. The parameters measured in the Probe Core training are the same parameters measured in the Standard Core training, however, Probe Core monitors use digital meters as opposed to chemical tests. Probe Core citizen scientists also measure the same field observations that are measured by Standard Core citizen scientists.

 

Probe Core Monitoring Equipment and Supplies

The items listed in the table below are necessary for starting your monitoring program. Please note, buckets, DI bottles, waste containers, goggles, and gloves can be upcycled or purchased from the vendor of your choice. The conductivity meter should be calibrated to a value closest to the observed values in the water body you will be monitoring. Purchase the conductivity standard closest to the values observed. Most water bodies in Texas will be around 600 μS/cm, however if you are unsure of which conductivity standard solution to use, email us and we can assist you.

ItemVendorPart #QtyPrice
Probe Kit (ExStik® II DO/pH/Conductivity)AmazonB004WN6BEA1$353.90
Secchi DiscLaMotte0171-CL1$84.15
Armored, Centigrade ThermometerLaMotte10661$28.67
60 cm Transparency Tube*Avantor470106-8301$77.95
120 cm Transparency Tube*Avantor470106-0321$99.95
BucketLowes9544341$3.78
D.I. Water BottlesCapitol ScientificB7444-5006$113.64
Distilled Water**H-E-BN/A1 gal$0.91
Waste BottlesCapitol ScientificB6542-3224$125.60
GogglesCapitol ScientificBEL-24873-00001$23.77
Gloves - SAmazonMF-300-S1 pack$35.93
Gloves - MAmazonSG-375-M-Box1 pack$29.31
Gloves - LAmazonMF-300-L1 pack$28.68
Conductivity Standard (600 µS, 1L)***Fisher ScientificNC94722431$25.93
Conductivity Standard (1413 µS, 1L)***Fisher ScientificNC94853191$30.80
pH Buffer 4.00****Global Test Supply637395065591$13.32
pH Buffer 7.00****Global Test Supply637395065701$13.32
pH Buffer 10.00****Global Test Supply637395065761$13.32
Refractometer*****AmazonSTX-31$115.00

* The Standard Core Kit must be purchased by calling LaMotte directly.

** If use of the Secchi Disk is impractical due to the water body being too shallow or flowing too swiftly, a transparency tube may be used instead of the Secchi Disk.

*** Read the paragraph above for guidance on which conductivity standard solution to purchase.

*** A refractometer should be used instead of the conductivity meter in areas with higher salinity.

Probe Core Monitoring Replacement Reagents

The Probe Core water quality monitoring kit will need to be restocked as solutions are depleted or expire. The table below includes prices for replacement solutions.

Item Vendor Part # Quantity Price
Distilled Water**H-E-BN/A1 gal $ 0.91
Conductivity Standard (600 µS, 1L)***Fisher ScientificNC94722431 $ 25.93
Conductivity Standard (1413 µS, 1L)***Fisher ScientificNC94853191 $ 30.80
pH Buffer 4.00****Global Test Supply637395065591 $ 13.32
pH Buffer 7.00****Global Test Supply637395065701 $ 13.32
pH Buffer 10.00****Global Test Supply637395065761 $ 13.32

* The Standard Core Kit must be purchased by calling LaMotte directly.

** If use of the Secchi Disk is impractical due to the water body being too shallow or flowing too swiftly, a transparency tube may be used instead of the Secchi Disk.

*** Read the paragraph above for guidance on which conductivity standard solution to purchase.

*** A refractometer should be used instead of the conductivity meter in areas with higher salinity.

Probe Core Monitoring Replacement Equipment and Supplies

Equipment and supplies may become lost or broken. The table below includes items in the Probe Core water quality monitoring kit that may need replacing.

ItemVendorPart #QuantityPrice
ExStik Replacement Dissolved Oxygen ModuleAmazon7939500660581$133.63
ExStik Replacement pH/Conductivity ModuleAmazon7939500550521$59.90
Dissolved Oxygen ExStik® II meterTest Equipment Depot 7939500560041$233.94
pH/Conductivity ExStik® II meterTequipmentEC5001$152.22
Membrane Kit for ExStik DO Meter (6pk w/ 1 Filling Solution)ExTechDO6031$74.99
Sample Solution CupsExTechEX00724$15.99
150 mL plastic beakerLaMotte2-20111$4.23
Weighted BaseExTechEX0061$16.99
Sony Battery CR2032 Lithium 3vWalmartCR2032A20$9.98

* The Standard Core Kit must be purchased by calling LaMotte directly.

** If use of the Secchi Disk is impractical due to the water body being too shallow or flowing too swiftly, a transparency tube may be used instead of the Secchi Disk.

*** Read the paragraph above for guidance on which conductivity standard solution to purchase.

*** A refractometer should be used instead of the conductivity meter in areas with higher salinity.

E. coli Bacteria Monitoring Equipment

E. coli Bacteria monitoring involves performing tests for E. coli bacteria that can be performed at the same sampling time and location as monthly Core monitoring. E. coli is measured to determine the relative risk of swimming (contact recreation) in a water body. E. coli is a bacterium that originates from the wastes of warm-blooded animals. The presence of bacteria indicates that associated pathogens from waste may be reaching a body of water. Sources of E. coli include inadequately treated sewage, improperly managed animal waste from livestock, pets, aquatic birds and wildlife, or failing septic systems.

 

E. coli Bacteria Monitoring Supplies

The supplies listed in the table below are necessary for starting your monitoring program. Please note, buckets, DI bottles, waste containers, goggles, and gloves can be upcycled or purchased from the vendor of your choice.

ItemVendorPart #QtyPrice
GogglesCapitol ScientificBEL-24873-00001 $ 23.77
Gloves - SAmazonMF-300-S1 pack $ 35.93
Gloves - MAmazonSG-375-M-Box1 pack $ 29.31
Gloves - LAmazonMF-300-L1 pack $ 28.68
Whirl-Pak® BagsNascoB01062500 $ 60.90
100 mL DI Water BottleHach272421 $ 10.70
Petri Dishes & Coliscan EasygelWeber Scientific2500150 $ 111.98
5 mL Graduated Sterile PipettesFisher Scientific13-711-20500 $ 105.64
IncubatorTractor Supply2167379991 $ 49.99
MacroLens*Carolina1845581 $ 15.25
Extension Pole**AmazonB00BQZ1H5A1 $ 181.27
Ziploc Bags, GallonH-E-B19974261$4.80
VinegarH-E-B1236731$2.67

*Monitors can choose to use the LaMotte MacroLens or a standard magnifying glass depending on their personal preference

**Not required

E. coli Bacteria Monitoring Replacement Reagents

The reagents used to monitor E. coli bacteria will need to be restocked as they are depleted or expire. The table below includes prices for replacement reagents.

Item Vendor Part # Quantity Price
100 mL DI Water BottleHach272421 $ 10.70
Petri Dishes & Coliscan EasygelWeber Scientific2500150 $ 111.98

E. coli Bacteria Monitoring Replacement Equipment and Supplies

Equipment and supplies may become lost, broken, or depleted. The table below includes items used for E. coli bacteria monitoring that may need replacing.

ItemVendorPart #QuantityPrice
Whirl-Pak® BagsNasco B01062500 $ 60.90
5mL graduated sterile pipettesFisher Scientific13-711-20500$105.64
Petri dishesWeber Scientific3093-9520$12.97
IncubatorTractor Supply Co.93001$49.99
LaMotte MacroLensLaMotte55081$16.00
Magnifying GlassNascoSB164411$5.95

Advanced Water Quality Monitoring Equipment

Advanced monitoring involves performing tests on sample water to measure nitrate-nitrogen, orthophosphate, turbidity, and streamflow. Advanced monitoring through Texas Stream Team must be conducted with the following equipment and supplies. Please consider the quantity of each product in regard to the total cost.

 

Advanced Monitoring Supplies

The supplies listed in the table below are necessary for starting your monitoring program. Please note, buckets, DI bottles, waste containers, goggles, and gloves can be upcycled or purchased from the vendor of your choice.

ItemVendorPart #QtyPrice
Advanced Kit (Nitrates)*LaMotteXX01406-011$176.22
BucketLowes9544341$3.78
D.I. water bottlesCapitol ScientificB7444-5006$113.64
Distilled WaterH-E-BN/A1 gal$0.91
Waste bottlesCapitol ScientificB6542-3224$125.60
GogglesCapitol ScientificBEL-24873-00001$23.77
Gloves – SAmazonMF-300-S1 pack$35.93
Gloves – MAmazonSG-375-M-Box1 pack$29.31
Gloves – LAmazonMF-300-L1 pack$28.68
Streamflow Supplies
Aluminum Meter StickFisher ScientificS817551$9.09
StopwatchAmazonN/A1$2.19
Whiffle BallsNasco EducationPE015066$7.25
Tape MeasureNasco EducationSB336431$5.95

* Please note, the Advanced Kit must be purchased by calling LaMotte directly. Additionally, this item is the only item required to be purchased by a specific vendor for this training.

Advanced Monitoring Replacement Reagents

Advanced monitoring kit will need to be restocked as reagents are depleted or expire. The table below includes prices for replacement reagents.

ItemVendorPart #QuantityPrice
Nitrate #1 TabletsLaMotte2799A-H50$14.85
Nitrate #2 CTA TabletsLaMotteNN-3703A-H50$16.38
Filtration Aid SolutionHach1046331$19.10
Insta-Test Analytic Phosphate Low Range 0-2500 ppb Test StripsLaMotte3021-G-ENV1 pack, 25 strips$24.30

Advanced Monitoring Replacement Equipment and Supplies

Equipment and supplies may become lost or broken. The table below includes items in the Advanced monitoring kit that may need replacing.

ItemVendorPart #QuantityPrice
Dropper, glassHach14197055$16.05
Filter PaperHach189457100$64.69
Mixing Bottle CapsHach21667061$5.09
Mixing BottlesHach2327066$18.85
Nitrate-Nitrogen Octa-Slide, 0-15 ppmAmazonB01JDBQVHW1$21.50
Octa-Slide ViewerAmazonB01JDE093G1$24.34
Plastic Analytical FunnelHach1083671$8.60
Protective Sleeves for Test TubeLaMotte0106-FP1$0.54
Stoppers for Glass Color Viewing TubesHach1731066$10.29
Test Tube, 2.5-10.0mL, plastic, w/capsLaMotte1061$4.23

Riparian Evaluation Monitoring Equipment

Riparian Biomonitors assess the health of lakes, rivers, streams, or estuaries based on the quality of the riparian habitat. Riparian indicators are used to track ecosystem and habitat health over time in the rivers and streams that flow to the Texas Gulf Coast.

Riparian Evaluation Monitoring does not require any starting supplies. However, you may find it useful to have a personal copy of the Remarkable Riparian Field Guidebook Set listed below.

Item Vendor Part # Quantity Price
Your Remarkable Riparian BooksNueces River AuthorityN/A1 $ 40.00

Macroinvertebrate Bioassessment Monitoring Equipment

Macroinvertebrate Biomonitors assess the health of lakes, rivers, streams or estuaries based on the aquatic insects that live there. Data are coupled with water quality data and used to track ecosystem and habitat health over time in the rivers and streams that flow to the Texas Gulf Coast.

 

Macroinvertebrate Bioassessment Equipment and Supplies

Please note, the equipment and supplies listed below can be purchased from any vendor or store. We strongly encourage upcycling where possible.

Item Vendor Part # Quantity Price
BucketLowes9544341 $ 3.78
WadersAcademy78437741 $ 49.99
TweezersAmazonN/A1 $ 1.50
Dip NetLowes25668791 $ 19.98
12 QT DishpansAmazonN/A1 $ 14.99
Divider Tray BundleAmazonN/A1 $ 13.99
16-Slot Ice TraysWalmart14595841 $ 1.97
Clear Cups (7 oz)Walmart5708607361 pack $ 3.98
Plastic Clear SpoonsWalmart5515734461 box $ 4.98
LaMotte MacroLensCarolina1845581 $ 15.25
Magnifying Glass*Nasco EducationSB164411 $ 5.95
Portable Air PumpAmazonB000EYULIS1 $ 7.96
D BatteriesWalmart5547253794 $ 7.98

*Monitors can choose to use the LaMotte MacroLens or a standard magnifying glass depending on their personal preference

Macroinvertebrate Bioassessment Replacement Equipment and Supplies

Equipment and supplies may become lost or broken. The table below includes items used for Macroinvertebrate Bioassessment monitoring that may need replacing.

ItemVendorPart #QuantityPrice
LaMotte D-Net Replacement BagLaMotte0167B1$23.88
D BatteriesAmazon5581414228$12.21
12 QT Trays/DishpansWalmart14727961$0.50
Shallow Rectangular TrayGrainger24AN091$8.95
Shallow Rectangular Tray (Narrow)AmazonDH04261917W1$6.21
Shallow Square Tray (Small)AmazonB07PNHC3TT1$12.49
16-Slot Ice TraysWalmart14595841$2.87
150ml plastic beakerLaMotte 2-20111$4.23
Small Tupperware ContainersAmazonCXC-0491$6.99
Clear Cups (7 oz)Walmart5708607361$3.98
Plastic Clear SpoonsWalmart5515734461$3.98
FunnelsWalmart5540595571$1.48
LaMotte MacroLens*LaMotte55081$16.00
Magnifying Glass*NascoSB164411$5.95

*Monitors can choose to use the LaMotte MacroLens or a standard magnifying glass depending on their personal preference