Potomac Riverkeeper Network

Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring with Potomac Riverkeeper Network

Welcome River Enthusiasts and potential Community Scientists,

Our testing season still has one more month and we are also already planning for the 2024 recreational season!  

I understand that members of Canoe Cruisers may be interested in helping us sample Riley's Lock, Old Angler's and Little Falls. We sample this year until September 27. There is still time to get certified and sample a few times this year and also decide if this is something you would be interested in for next year as well. If you are interested, you can begin by reviewing in order the online modules located here.  

Module One    Module Two    Module Three 

Following the three modules, take our online test here. 

Contact me when this is done and I can arrange to meet you in the field to show you the sites. We collect on Wednesday mornings throughout the season but with a team there is no need to collect each week and you can sign up when you have availability. Some of these sites are accessible by kayak and car pools could be arranged to transport samples to our floating lab in National Harbor. 

All the data that you collect is uploaded to public websites such as Swim Guide and made available not only to those in recreation but to researchers, academics, the government, and legal teams.

Please let me know if you have any questions. I look forward to hearing from you. Some general notes on water quality below.  

Why monitor water quality?

We aim to provide up-to-date, accurate water quality data for the Potomac and its tributaries to ensure the health of its waters and provide recreationists with the information they need to enjoy the River in a fun and safe environment. 

As a community science monitor, you can help us collect samples and investigate our waterways to track and advocate for their health. This project will sample important water quality parameters like bacteria, turbidity, temperature and pH. In addition, we record observations on public use of our waterways.

When do we monitor?

Monitoring runs from May to late September. We will collect samples every Wednesday morning (Thursdays for rain dates) between 7 am and 1 pm. 

No experience is required!

Anyone can be a community science monitor! Those under 18 must be accompanied by a chaperone. Volunteers must attend one training session to be certified as a volunteer community scientist. 

Thank you for your interest in our mission!--

Best, 

Lisa

Lisa L. Wu

Lab Manager, Potomac Riverkeeper Network

M/V Sea Dog, National Harbor Marina, Oxon Hill, MD

Cell: 703-403-3959

lisa@prknetwork.org

www.potomacriverkeepernetwork.org

Three branches, one mission, protect the Potomac watershed …