Stream calculations

It is very important to correctly assess the data that you collect in order to interpret the results. To be consistent you must maintain a certain level of precision and accuracy in the field when performing all protocols. This will result in comparable data and enable you to monitor trends over time. To aid in the interpretation of stream data, WV Save Our Streams developed a variety of spreadsheets tools. Most of the resources here are Excel spreadsheets but there are also some on-line tools and appelets.

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Benthic metrics

• Level-1: Calculates three metrics and combines the results into an overall score; requires an estimate of abundance and diversity (number of different kinds (families)).
• Level-2: Calculates six metrics and combines the results into an overall score; requires a count and the ability to perform streamside ID on a wide variety of macroinvertebrates; must be able to ID to family-level or at a minimum into similar groups.
• Level-3: Calculates six metrics and combines the results into an overall score; also provides the results of additional metrics; level-3 requires a complete count or sub-sample and family-level ID.
• Benthic lab sheet: A laboratoy sheet for recording macroinvertebrates from a family level ID.
• Benthic spreadsheet: Calculates multiple family-level metrics often associated with benthic communities (Univerity of Massachusetts).
  

Additional Information, resources, and calculators​

• Discharge calculations: Calculates stream velocities and overall discharges for 3 different procedures (Flow meter, VHR and Float method).
• Pebble counts: Calculates the percentage in each major category, provides a cumulative frequency graph, and calculates an overall index and the percentage of fine materials.
• Pollutant loads: Learn more about pollutant loads and download a spreadsheet that calculates loads based on concentration and discharge.
• PLET: The pollution load estimation tool (PLET) provides a user-friendly web interface to create a customized watershed model.​​
  
• Reference reach survey: Helps to assess profile, dimension and material measurements, it is useful for geomorphologic surveys
• Streambank erosion: Calculates erosion rates based on measurement protocols from the NPS Program.
• % Difference: For simple comparison purposes and to analyze trends it is often useful to determine percent increase, decrease or difference. .
• Latitude and longitude conversion online or download a conversion spreadsheet (Converts from DMS to DD).