From local streams to national insights: A water quality monitoring experience

Water quality of rivers, streams, and lakes has been declining, especially in areas of urban and agricultural land use. In this course, you will learn about and practice field sampling methods to assess local water quality during the spring or fall season. You will analyze collected data, comparing physical, biological, and chemical parameters over time, and contribute to a centralized dataset. Your work will provide baseline information for a local waterway or may be compared to available EPA data from 2023-2024 surveys, documenting any recent changes or trends. Participants will benefit from practical skill development and peer collaboration. Understanding local water quality helps identify concerns, support diverse aquatic life, and maintain healthy watersheds.