Groundwater is one of the world’s most precious resources. It is the primary source of drinking water for approximately ½ of the world’s population and immense amounts of groundwater are utilized for agriculture. Overuse has led to the depletion of our groundwater resources resulting in a drying up of wells, decrease in groundwater quality, saltwater intrusion, land subsidence, and a reduction in surface water levels. Our groundwater resources are not only threatened by excess extraction, they are also threatened by industrial, agricultural, and municipal sources of contamination.

Water quality testing instruments are used to test water for chemical and biological agents, and to measure variables such as clarity and rate of movement. These instruments provide a standard tool that can be used to collect information from various water sources. Water quality testing instruments can monitor water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, nitrogen/phosphorus concentration, turbidity, macroinvertebrates, and levels of pesticides and toxic chemicals.