As spring arrives in Minnesota, it’s time for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to kick off its popular program that relies on Minnesotans to monitor our 12,000+ lakes and 92,000+ miles of streams: the Volunteer Water Monitoring Program.
The MPCA is currently recruiting volunteers to measure water clarity in numerous lakes and streams across the state and then report the data back to the agency. This is a perfect opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts and those interested in protecting our state’s natural resources to help us better understand the state of our waters.
Over 50 years of environmental stewardship
When the University of Minnesota launched the Volunteer Water Monitoring Program in 1973, it was only the second program of its type in the nation. Since the U transferred the program to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency in 1978, it has become a roaring success, empowering Minnesotans from all corners of the state to support the health of our beloved waters.
Become a volunteer water monitor
Join us! Check for site availability near you and join more than 1,400 volunteers who track the health of their favorite lake or stream.
How does it work?
Volunteers conduct a simple water clarity test in a body of water twice a month from April to September. We provide all the equipment and training, so no experience is needed. Volunteers can choose the lake, river or stream they will monitor on the volunteer water monitoring program website.
The MPCA uses the data to help determine whether lakes and streams are meeting water quality standards, which are designed to protect aquatic life and recreational activities (like fishing and swimming). In some cases, the information gathered by volunteers is the only monitoring done on a particular lake or stream!
Volunteer observers have keen eye for lake health
Minnesota has thousands of lakes, including remote areas where MPCA staff can’t regularly visit. But volunteers can, and their observations provide meaningful insight into those bodies of water.