Common Chemical Tests
| Temperature | Total Dissolved Solids | Dissolved Oxygen (DO) | pH | Nitrogen |
| Phosphorus | Alkalinity | Turbidity | Ferrous Iron | Sulfates |
Temperature
Temperature is an important factor in stream health. There is a natural fluctuation in the temperature of streams. Headwaters are usually colder while the mouth of the stream is warmer. Thermal pollution refers to unstable jumps on the temperature of the waterway. AMD can often be characterized by a significant lowering of the stream temperature. Water coming from underground is usually much cooler than the surface water. Temperature can also affect other factors such as dissolved oxygen and total dissolved solids.
Other tests, including and/or in addition to those described above, may be appropriate for the watershed in your area. The indicators the were chosen as points of study while making your monitoring plan are a good way to decide what tests need to be performed.