RIVERWATCH
When we launched our volunteer monitoring program in 1988, we monitored only eight main stem sites. Today, the RiverWatch Program includes over 50 volunteers monitoring a total of 35 sites each month.
RIVERWATCH PROGRAM
The RiverWatch program consists of skilled and dedicated volunteers who collect high quality data monthly from March-December on dissolved oxygen, water temperature, conductivity (salts and other ions), chloride, color (visual inspection), clarity, odor, depth and velocity. There is also an annual macroinvertebrate monitoring program and a streamflow monitoring program in partnership with the Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration.
Monitoring data are used to track trends in river health and to identify water quality and quantity problems. Data are also shared with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Watershed Planning Program in support of watershed assessment work. Monitoring data are compiled into a comprehensive report at the end of each year. The data that volunteers collect is an incredibly valuable resource documenting the health of the river.
MONITORING SCHEDULE AND LOCATIONS
In order to assess the health of the Ipswich River and monitor ongoing threats, the Ipswich River Watershed Association has maintained the RiverWatch Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program since 1997. Volunteers collect data monthly from March-December on weather conditions, rain in the last 48 hours, water color, water odor, water temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), velocity, depth, specific conductance (salts and other ions) and chloride. Volunteers monitor a total of 35 sites across the region (see map to right).
Monitors are responsible for monthly monitoring which takes place in the morning of the last Sunday of each month.
- January 28 (Optional)
- February 25 (Optional)
- March 31
- April 28
- May 19*
- June 30
- July 28: Take second DO reading
- August 25: Take second chloride reading
- September 29
- October 27
- November 17*
- December 15* (Optional)
*Indicates that the date is not the last Sunday of the month.
HOW CAN I HELP?
We are always looking for new volunteers for this program to fill in monitoring sites and as back-up monitors. We are interested in volunteers who:
- Have a willingness to commit to monitoring on one Sunday of each month.
- A long-term commitment is a plus.
- Knowledge of water quality issues is a plus, but definitely not required! The procedures we use can be learned by all.
Interested in volunteering? Please contact Programs Coordinator Ryan at [email protected] or fill out the form at the bottom of this page.
Interested in volunteering for the River? Fill out our Volunteer Inquiry Form.