water quality monitoring

A group of people are standing in a river.
A man and a woman are walking through a stream in the woods.

Why monitor streams?

Clean, safe, usable water is essential to all life. Unfortunately, there are a multitude of threats to water quality and aquatic ecosystems. Water pollution, varying from excessive nutrients, salts, heavy metals, and toxic chemicals all take their toll on urban and rural water quality. Increases in runoff from paved surfaces and land clearing also negatively impact waterways, as can deforestation and excessive erosion. Often, modern streams experience many of these factors which can lead to degraded water quality downstream.

 

Through different monitoring procedures, it is possible to detect many kinds of water quality impairment and identify probable causes so that steps can be taken to alleviate or correct the issue. Protecting and ensuring the health of our streams and watersheds is everyone’s responsibility. By monitoring water quality, citizens can take an active role in protecting water resources.

 

How do I become a water quality monitor?

It’s very simple, but requires some time and commitment on your part. The first step is to sign up for one of our Introductory workshops. Please note the registration deadline for each workshop. Space is limited for these training classes, so register early!Water Quality Monitoring is the only Stream Team activity that requires training. Starting in 2021, becoming certified as a water quality monitor involves online training and field training*. Upon completion of the training, a monitor will receive equipment at no cost.


There are multiple levels of certification:

 

  • Introductory Level - Monitors learn about watersheds, how to select a monitoring site, measure stream flow, and collect biological data. No previous training or education required.


  • Level 1 - Monitors learn how to collect physical assessment and chemistry data and refresh on biological monitoring. Introductory Level training is a prerequisite.


  • Level 2 - This is a quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) training where monitors will strengthen monitoring techniques and verify equipment. Level 1 training is a prerequisite.


  • Level 3 - This is a one-on-one audit at a monitor's stream site. Level 2 training is a prerequisite.

 

To learn more about each VWQM level and register for training, click on the Levels below.

 

What is VWQM data used for?

All volunteer data is used to establish baseline data on streams throughout Missouri, establish long-term trends, and locate streams in need of professional follow-up monitoring. Higher level data (i.e., Level 2 and above) is used to supplement agency-collected data for meeting Clean Water Act goals, such as evaluating best management practices, forming watershed management plans, and tracking performance of Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) implementation plans.