Water pollution is not a recently discovered problem. Humankind's ability to generate pollutants continues to exceed its ability to control them. The Adopt-A-Stream program invites people who care for waterways to take an active role in assuring their well-being. High school groups supported by local co-sponsors agree to evaluate their adopted waterways, report their results, and take any action they feel necessary to improve their lakes, streams, ponds, or wetlands. Discussed in this teachers' guide are: (1) the Adopt-A-Stream program; (2) background information on water pollution in general; (3) safety; (4) sampling techniques; (5) physical parameters to be considered; (6) chemical, biological, and microbiological aspects of stream analysis; and (7) evaluation and reporting guidelines and tips. A bibliography of 24 works on water pollution is included. (CW)