How do I become a volunteer?
Sign-up for an upcoming shift and we’ll pair you up with an experienced volunteer. They’ll show you the ropes and walk you through the entire process.
Learn more about our water quality monitoring process.
How to Sign Up for a Volunteer Shift
- Decide on a volunteer role (sampling, lab processing and/or data analysis)
- Sign up for a shift
- New volunteers who have not been trained by a lead BWTF volunteer will receive further instructions 2-3 days before their shift.
Resources
Water Quality Monitoring
Click to view, print and download information about our weekly water quality sampling process.
Lab Processing and Data
Click to view, print and download information about our weekly water quality monitoring process.
List of Sampling Sites
| Site Name | Location | Site History | Conditions | Latitude | Longitude | Google Maps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avenida Del Sol | Coronado | Link | Surfline | 32.677687 | -117.177234 | Map |
| Silver Strand State Beach | Coronado | Link | Surfline | 32.630875 | -117.141427 | Map |
| I.B. Pier | Imperial Beach | Link | Surfline | 32.579563 | -117.133168 | Map |
| Seacoast Drive | Imperial Beach | Link | Surfline | 32.566029 | -117.133205 | Map |
| Tourmaline Surf Park | Pacific Beach | Link | Surfline | 32.8050 | -117.26280 | Map |
| Campland | Mission Bay | Link | TBD | 32.794942467 | -117.22130 | Map |
| Mission Bay Aquatic Center | Mission Bay | Link | TBD | 32.781743 | -117.248223 | Map |
| OB Pier | Ocean Beach | Link | Surfline | 32.747222 | -117.253333 | Map |
| Dog Beach | Ocean Beach | Link | Surfline | 32.754167 | -117.252500 | Map |
| Sunset Cliffs | Ocean Beach | Link | Surfline | 32.719471 | -117.25702 | Map |
What are you testing for?
We are testing for Enterococcus, a fecal indicator bacteria. The EPA uses this bacteria as an indicator to determine if a recreational area is safe for public use. Enterococci are indicators of the presence of fecal material in water and therefore, of the possible presence of other disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. These pathogens can sicken swimmers and others who use rivers and streams for recreation or eat raw shellfish or fish. Other potential health effects can include diseases of the skin, eyes, ears, and respiratory tract.
How do you test for Enterococcus?
We use an EPA-approved 24-hour detection test, Enteroalert by IDEXX.
Samples are diluted and mixed with a reagent. Then they are sealed in Quanti-Trays and incubated over a 24-hour period. The following day, the Quanti-Trays are examined under a UV light for fluorescent indicators. The number of fluorescent squares present on a Quanti-Tray is used to determine the bacterial levels using a most probable number (MPN) method.