Largest scientist-led volunteer water quality monitoring program in the State. Over 250 trained volunteers monitor the water quality of Rhode Island freshwater lakes and ponds, rivers, and coastal watersheds. More than thirty local sponsors, including one third of RI cities and towns, watershed and lake associations, Narragansett Indian Tribe, and numerous individual and corporate sponsors. Comprehensive program includes: recruiting, training, and equipping volunteers, laboratory analyses with an EPA-certified QA/QC program, and data reporting to sponsors and governmental agencies.

• With over 80 lake and river locations at 100 sample sites, source of more than 90% of the State’s lake quality data.
• Thirteen of RI’s fourteen major watersheds monitored. Adding more sites each year.
• Up to twelve years of bi-state data in the Pawcatuck watershed, sponsored by the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association and Citizens Land Alliance of North Stonington CT.
• Intensive multi-station water quality and/or stream flow monitoring on priority rivers and streams conducted in partnership with local groups.
• Shoreline surveys for pollution source tracking, habitat assessments of ecological conditions, aquatic vegetation mapping, and purple loosestrife identification conducted at various locations.
• Promotes citizen action to protect and improve local lakes and streams.

Selected Current Activities 1999-2000

• Providing technical assistance and support to a US Geologic Survey volunteer habitat survey project on the Queen River, and to the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association’s development of "Stream Water Quality Teams" on the Beaver, Meadowbrook and Queen Rivers.
• Expanding the number of RI Department of Environmental Management prioritized public access lakes monitored.
• Drinking water well screening and storm water monitoring for bacteria and nitrates conducted with the Salt Pond Coalition.
• Conducting laboratory analyses in support of onsite wastewater treatment demonstration projects for densely developed coastal communities.
• Continued monitoring of Stafford Pond and its tributary to assess the impact of agricultural Best Management Practice implementation and public education within the watershed.