Getting Started

To collect water quality measurements, you need the following:

1. Jar with test strips (for nitrate, use Hach test strips)
2. Deltares legend card
3. Cup
4. Smartphone with Water Quality App

The test strips are placed on a card with a color legend (the same size as a bank card) and photographed through the app. The app uses image processing software to compare the color of the test strip against the legend. Since the strip and legend are side by side in the picture, errors due to variations in light, phone type or picture settings are expected to be minimal. The app then displays the measurement and the user has the option to send the result. If the user agrees, the measurement, along with metadata (time, location), are sent over the Internet to a server. If an Internet connection is not available, the data is prepared and is automatically sent when the phone is connected to Wi-Fi. Once on the server, measurements can be verified, visualized, edited, etc. This method can easily be applied to other parameters or types of test strips. Check out our tips and tricks to find out more, or the FAQ !

Results

Results are visualized directly in a web-based viewer. This viewer is easy to use and suitable for desktops, tablets, and smartphones. Measurements for specific user groups are also visualized in the Delta Data Viewer:

The flexible design makes it easy to develop specific views for certain catchment areas and/or user groups. The data can be visualized in different ways and the user can choose between different background maps.

All Deltares software, apps and viewers are open and free to download and use.

FAQs

Below is a list of frequently asked questions and their answer:

Additional information

Want more information? Contact Joachim Rozemeijer (Joachim.Rozemeijer@Deltares.nl) or Sheila Ball (Sheila.Ball@Deltares.nl). You can also download the information sheet about the Nitrate App (predecessor of the Water Quality App).