The water testing protocol for the 2006 season was changed slightly by the addition of two extra test samples per testing date. The purpose of these additional samples is to provide comparatives for evaluating sampling and testing procedures to ensure continuity of results. One of the new additional samples is a duplicate sample from an existing site being tested. The site chosen for the duplicate sample will change from one test date to the next. Using the example of the 6-17-06 testing date, Site 5 (Kineras Bay South end) was chosen as the duplicate. The second additional sample in the new protocol is a blank control sample taken from water that is known to be sterile, preferably from the process used to sterilize the water testing sample collection containers themselves.
Spot water samples are also taken occasionally at site locations not regularly tested. The following table shows the locations, dates, and results of these spot sample tests.