Pacific Island Network Stream Water Quality Protocol: Version 2.0
Raikow DF , Farahi AC , McCutcheon AL , Kozar K . 2026. Pacific Island Network Stream Water Quality Protocol: Version 2.0. Science Report. NPS/SR—2026/397. National Park Service. Fort Collins, Colorado. https://doi.org/10.36967/2317207
Water quality is widely used as an indicator of aquatic resource condition and was identified as a high priority “vital sign” by the Pacific Island Network (PACN). This protocol revision follows guidance set forth by the Inventory and Monitoring Division and is a substantive change to the stream portion of the PACN water quality protocol version one. We revised the sampling design based on power analyses of data collected from 2007–2017 and conducted a full scientific review of the stream portion of the original water quality protocol. Sampling design was modified to cull redundant sampling and increase program efficiency, while meeting or exceeding the original goals of the monitoring protocol. Specific changes include: 1) specifying the magnitude of change the sampling design should, to the degree possible, be able to detect within 10 years; 2) removing the goal of establishing ranges for water quality parameter values; 3) establishing total dissolved nitrogen, total dissolved phosphorus, and nitrate + nitrite as primary analytes; 4) eliminating temporary sites; 5) reducing the total number of fixed sites; and 6) reducing sampling frequency to twice a year. Water sampling methods remain unchanged from the previous protocol version. Additional water quality parameters monitored at each site continue to include pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, total algae (chlorophyll a + phycocyanin), turbidity, and specific conductance. Data will be managed under standard operating procedures that ensure data entered in databases are verified for accuracy and certified as scientifically valid after completing established quality assurance and control procedures. Data are published in the public domain and reported to parks via trend reports, web articles, direct communication, and briefing statements.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Raikow, David; Farahi, Anne; McCutcheon, Amanda; Kozar, Kelly
- Date of Issue
- 2026-03
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- DOI
- 10.36967/2317207
- Units
- HALE , KALA , NPSA , NRSS , PACN , WAPA
- Keywords
- American Samoa, freshwater, Guam, Hawaii, Monitoring, nitrogen, Pacific islands, phosphorus, sampling protocol, streams, water quality
- Subjects
- Ecological Framework: Water | Water Quality | Water Chemistry , Ecological Framework: Water | Water Quality | Nutrient Dynamics