*Must be a returning WAV volunteer (at least 1 year of WAV monitoring experience).
Continuous temperature monitoring volunteers deploy devices called “thermistors” in order to monitor the temperature of the stream once per hour from May through October.
Volunteers must be engaged in a local WAV Coordinator or DNR-led project, and must have one year of baseline data collection completed in order to begin continuous temperature monitoring. To express interest in temperature monitoring, please contact your local WAV Coordinator.
What is Measured
Continuous temperature monitoring devices, called thermistors (e.g., HOBOs or TidBits), are placed in the stream and record temperature every hour until they are removed and data are downloaded to a computer.
How the Data is Used
The data collected by this project will allow researchers to:
- Document baseline water temperatures
- Document and determine the effects of thermal dishcharges on aquatic biotic
- Locate groundwater influence to streams
- Document thermal impacts of structural dams to coldwater streams
- Document changes in stream temperatures after installation of agricultural and urban best management practices
- Assess the impact of climate change