Got questions?
Find answers to frequently asked questions about becoming a WAV stream monitor. Still have a question? Contact us!
Q: What parameters do volunteers monitor?
New volunteers typically start in our baseline stream monitoring program. WAV baseline monitoring includes stream temperature, transparency, dissolved oxygen, stream flow, aquatic macroinvertebrates, and we ask volunteers to keep an eye out for four aquatic invasive species (AIS).
After completing a full season of baseline monitoring (May-October), you might choose to participate in our volunteer nutrient monitoring, AIS monitoring, and stream habitat assessment trainings!
Q: What happens to the data?
Volunteers enter their stream data into a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ online surface water database (SWIMS). Once in this statewide database, volunteer data are combined with professionally-collected water quality data and can be used by biologists, planners, researchers, community groups, and anyone interested in using the data to protect or restore streams and rivers in Wisconsin.
WAV also exports all volunteer data from SWIMS and uploads it to our WAV Stream Monitoring Data Dashboard, for volunteers and partners to explore stream health in a user-friendly format.
Q: How much does it cost?
Equipment and training is provided to volunteers free of charge. You may choose to purchase additional items such as waders/hip boots.
Q: Who can participate in WAV?
Anyone interested in science, the environment and learning more about streams and water quality would make a great volunteer stream monitor. Current volunteers include individuals, families, natural resource organizations and schools/classrooms.
Generally, we recommend stream monitoring for adults and youth ages 10 and older.
Q: How do I get trained?
Trainings are held in areas across the state, generally in spring (April – June). Check our Events page for scheduled stream trainings or contact your local WAV Coordinator for other training opportunities.
Q: How can I get updates on the program?
A: The best way to stay up to date with Wisconsin volunteer stream monitoring and WAV is to subscribe to our email listserv. Click here to sign up to receive WAV news. You can also check the Events page on the website to learn about upcoming trainings, webinars, and more near you.
Q: Should I continue WAV Baseline Monitoring if I am involved in Special Project Monitoring?
A: Yes! Special Project monitoring is not designed to replace Baseline Monitoring; therefore, you may continue with both of these efforts during the season. However, if you find the commitment too time-consuming, it is okay to limit your involvement to one WAV program.
Q: Where should I monitor?
A: WAV monitoring is designed to be done on streams that are able to be safely waded into wearing hip boots or chest waders. Some local programs ask citizens to monitor in specific locations along the length of a stream or river. This provides an opportunity to get a snapshot of water quality within the entire watershed. However, if you have a special place in mind that you’d like to monitor, you are welcome to monitor there. If you are looking for more guidance in where to monitor, start by talking to your local WAV Coordinator or WAV Program staff.
Q: What is the time commitment?
A: Sampling usually takes 1–2 hours per site visit. You may have to commit additional time for trainings and other events.
Q: When should I sample? What time of the month, what time of day?
A: It is best to schedule monthly monitoring in advance. Pick a day each month to go out to the stream. This is your primary sampling date. Try to go out at the same time of day each visit. Some of the stream monitoring parameters are time-of-day dependent. Going out at the same time of day for each sampling visit will help to limit variations in your data. If you feel unsafe visiting the stream on your primary sampling date, or cannot sample that day for another reason, schedule a backup date to conduct your visit. This is known as your safety sampling date.
Q: Do I need to use starch in my Hach Dissolved Oxygen test kit?
A: The starch solution is not required to complete the test, but starch is a helpful indicator and can improve the accuracy of the test. If your HACH dissolved oxygen kit does not include a small bottle of starch, please contact WAV program staff at wav@extension.wisc.edu or your local coordinator.
Q: I am a WAV Baseline Monitor. How do I get involved in other advanced types of stream monitoring?
A: Several times a year, announcements about opportunities for nutrient monitoring, habitat assessment training, and aquatic invasive species monitoring go out through our monthly WAV e-newsletter. Add your email address to the listserv to get the latest WAV news.
Q: Should I monitor the same site(s) every year?
A: Long-term trend data is important for management decision-making. If your monitoring site is safe, convenient and easily accessible, we recommend that you continue monitoring it year to year. If your site becomes unsafe or inaccessible, please let your local or statewide coordinator know so that a new location can be established.