Volunteer Water Monitoring program

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—including several high-priority sites in the Grand Rapids area—and then report back to the agency. This is the perfect opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts and those interested in protecting our state’s natural resources!

Over 50 years of environmental stewardship

When the University of Minnesota launched the Volunteer Water Monitoring Program in 1973, it would go on to become the second oldest, and still active, volunteer water monitoring program in the nation.

Transferred to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency in 1978, it has since become a roaring success, empowering Minnesotans from all corners of the state to support the health of our beloved waters.

How does it work?

Volunteers conduct a simple water clarity test in a body of water twice a month from April-September. We provide all the equipment and training, so no experience is needed.

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!