Volunteer Monitoring
Analytical Laboratory Services
Montana has a broad spectrum of citizen-based, volunteer water quality monitoring programs. Many volunteer monitoring (VM) programs are administered by watershed groups, conservation districts, local water quality protection districts, non-governmental organizations or other entities. Each group is driven by a unique set of monitoring objectives which may include watershed education for youth and adults, collection of baseline data to study water quality status and trends, or monitoring to evaluate the effectiveness of conservation practices and restoration projects. Volunteers collect a variety of chemical, physical and biological parameters to characterize water quality and associated habitat and flow conditions. DEQ has funding under the federal Clean Water Act Section 604b to fund the laboratory analysis of water quality samples collected through Volunteer Monitoring efforts. This funding is for projects designed to gather water quality data on nonpoint source water pollution. Funds will cover the cost of laboratory analysis of water and sediment chemistry samples, and sample shipping costs. Visit DEQ's website for more details: http://deq.mt.gov/Water/WPB/Nonpoint-Source-Program/Volunteer-Monitoring
Volunteer Monitoring Resources:
Volunteer Water Monitoring Guidebook
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This guidebook is designed to serve both community and educational groups who are either initiating volunteer monitoring programs or expanding a well-established program. The guidebook supports Montana Watercourse's Volunteer Water Monitoring program to promote knowledge and stewardship of aquatic resources by teaching local citizen volunteers the skills needed to gather accurate, non biased water quality information.
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EPA QAPP Development Guidance |
Site includes explanations and examples of what is required to meet project requirements and quality assurance measures. |
EPA Volunteer Stream Monitoring Manual |
Describes and compares methods and necessary measures to collect meaningful samples. |
MSU Extension Water Quality |
Videos, QAPPs/SAPs and other resources. |
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