MPCA relies on Minnesotans to monitor state’s lakes and streams
News | Published on April 22, 2024 at 1:33pm CDT
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 across Northwestern Minnesota– 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!
Lakes and streams in Pope County where water monitors are needed include Minnewaska, Reno, Emily and Johanna lakes and the Chippewa and Little Chippewa Rivers and Mud Creek.
Locals are going out to gather critical data on the health of Minnesota’s waters with their grandparents, spouses, friends, siblings, or often on their own… enjoying our state’s most treasured resources while making a difference for the environment. And while we’ve had nearly 10,000 volunteers participate over the last 50+ years, we are always in need of more to join our program to ensure this important work continues.
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. All the equipment and training is provided, 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.
