Temperature
 Temperature is an important indicator of the
 general  condition  of a water body  and  the
 ecosystem it supports. The following physical and
 biochemical processes are all affected by water
 temperature:  dissolved oxygen levels; the rate of
 photosynthesis of aquatic plants;  the metabolic
 rates of aquatic organisms; and the sensitivity of
 aquatic organisms to toxic substances, parasites,
 and  diseases.   Changes in  temperature  can
 naturally affect these processes, leading to stress
 in organisms and death. Reproductive stages are
 the  most sensitive to a change in temperature.
 The following are some factors that could cause a
 change in the temperature of a water body:
 weather,  riparian  shade,  water  level, dams,
 industrial discharges and storm water.
                                            »	
                                                 Example of Riparian Shade at Jamul Indian Village
 Understanding the Impact of Temperature Fluctuations: Optimal temperature ranges depend
 on the water body. If temperatures are outside the optimal range for the water body for an extended
 amount of time, organisms will become  stressed and die.  For fish, there are two kinds  of limiting
 temperatures: the maximum temperature for short exposures, and a weekly average temperature that may
 vary by time of year and life cycle stage. It would be beneficial to know optimal ranges for the organisms in
 the water body. Find out what the  tribal, state, or federal standard range for temperature is to use as a
 comparison for the data you are collecting.

                                            Monitoring Temperature:    There are a
                                            variety  of monitoring  devices available  to
                                            measure temperature.   What you select will
                                            depend on the monitoring objectives set forth in
                                            your environmental and monitoring  program.
                                            The following equipment options are commonly
                                            used to collect temperature data from the field.

                                            All options should be readily available at
                                            Laboratory supply stores:
                                               •  Thermometers
                                               •  Meters
                                               •  Multi-parameter probes
                                               •  Contract Laboratory (if necessary)

                                            For additional information:
   	  www.epa.gov/owow/monitoring/volunteer/stream
   Algal bloom is caused by a variety of issues, including
                 temperature.
For more information, please contact your CWA Project Officer or Kristin Gullatt, Manager of the Water Division, Tribal Office at (415) 972-3432.

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