A comparison of water quality methods and data: GLOBE Program vs. United States Geological Survey

Abstract

Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) is a K- 12 international science and education program. Since 1995, over 600 GLOBE schools throughout the U.S. have gathered and reported surface water quality data for parameters including alkalinity, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, pH, and temperature. These data are potentially useful for monitoring local, regional, and national surface water quality trends. Before these data are used, however, it is important to gauge the reliability of the data. Toward that end, a qualitative comparison of GLOBE and USGS sample testing protocols is made so that discrepancies in GLOBE protocols can be identified and remedied. In addition to the protocol comparison, GLOBE data are compared statistically to data gathered by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS); the USGS is chosen because it is the major agency taking water quality data nationwide, and its data and sample testing protocols are considered to be reliable.