Wisconsin's Citizen-Based Water Monitoring Network

Our Mission:
To help preserve and protect Wisconsin's over 15,000 lakes and 84,000 miles of rivers, it is important to first understand how they function and then take note of their status. The Citizen-based Water Monitoring Network of Wisconsin offers citizens multiple opportunities to be part of this learning process and to monitor our state's waters.

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Network Plan

Contacts

The Network includes three levels to accommodate the varied interests and time availability of citizens across the state:

Level 1 Monitoring – Introductory
Level 2 Monitoring – Status and Trends
Level 3 Monitoring – Special Research Projects/Sport Fisheries Assessments

All citizens who volunteer their time as monitors within the Network are introduced to it through Level 1 trainings. After successfully participating for one monitoring season in a Level 1 program, citizens can choose to participate in other levels of programming offered through the Network. Use the links below to learn more about the various programs offered within each level of the Network.

Special projects are defined annually and will have a variety of focuses, thus, the type of citizen involvement will vary widely in this level of monitoring. In many cases, citizens will be asked to follow a specific monitoring schedule at specific locations, but citizens may also be asked to play different roles in monitoring than they have been asked to in other levels. To participate in this level citizens should have monitored for one season at Level 1.
learn more ››

This level of monitoring is designed to

•introduce citizens to the basics of water quality monitoring, and

•educate them about the connection between land use and the resulting effects on water quality.

Level 1 programs are currently available for lakes and streams. Citizens should monitor at this level for one season before progressing to either of the other levels. learn more ››

Status and trends level monitoring offers citizens a more intensive monitoring experience. Citizens will be asked to follow a specific monitoring schedule and often asked to monitor at specific locations. To participate in this level, citizens should have monitored for one season at Level 1. learn more ››

© 2007 by the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title IX requirements. UW-Extension programs are open to all persons without regard to race, color, ethnic background, or economic circumstances. All rights reserved.
UW-Extension Water Resources Program l Wisconsin DNR l Contact
Partner Programs: USDA CSREES l EPA Volunteer Monitoring