West Branch DuPage River

I finally created a water gathering device so that I didn't need to step into the river to collect the water and then fight my way back up with mud on my boots making it difficult to not slide back in.
I went to American Science and Surplus and found a telescoping alligator clip ($3.25) and a plastic test tube ($.40) and used the alligator clip to hold onto the top edge of the test tube - the hardest part was getting the tube to submerge and fill with water since it was light enough to float on top of the water. It was a lightweight and easy to carry solution that I've been thinking about trying to create since I started monitoring in 2023.

It was a lovely day for a walk on our closest forest preserve trails.
There was a lot of standing water on the trail, but the mud at the riverside was still frozen so I didn't get as muddy as I usually do, so that was nice.

No ice present. It's been warmer and we've had quite a few rainy days lately (and very little sun) so water was flowing nicely.

Snow expected soon! I'm thankful I was able to get out on this balmy day before the snow (and possibly salt) begins.

This location provides access to the water that is safe and relatively easy to get to, but it is very muddy and challenging to avoid stepping or sliding into the water to collect a sample, so I think another location might be better in the future.

My sample tube tipped over while I was waiting for the results. I did leave the test strips in the remaining water for a few minutes afterwards (and the strips had been submerged for a number of minutes before the tube was tipped over by the wind.)

Please see note on the previously submitted sample for today.

I forgot to get a picture of the site this time