FORMS & INFORMATION

Monitoring sites are selected in consultation with local watershed district and soil and water conservation district managers to represent different reaches of rivers and tributaries. Schools conduct monthly monitoring of three to seven sites - generally from April or May through October or November.

Students take a variety of field measurements (including air and water temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity, river depth and width) and record general observations of vegetation and other conditions in the watershed that could influence water quality. During these monthly sample runs, water samples are also collected and sent to a certified lab for analysis of total phosphorus, nitrate+nitrite nitrogen, and total suspended solids.

Historically, students collected water samples and performed the chemical analyses in the classroom. More recently the program has moved towards the use of field meters and contract laboratories certified by the MN Department of Health. This shift from student analysis to the use of certified labs was made because of the efficiencies this allows and to improve decision-makers confidence in the data and encourage its use in water quality management efforts.