A guide to setting up your community water monitoring program

Help Topics

• Getting started, an overview

  Community-based water monitoring involves local community members in collecting water quality data. Based on their questions and resources, they can provide valuable resources in monitoring and restoring local waterways.
• Setting goals

  One of the first things you need to think about when setting up a community water monitoring program is your goals. In many cases, your goals are overlapping, but here are the common types you can choose from.
• Determining what and how to test

  Depending on your goals and resources, here are some basics and best practices on equipment options, frequency and sample selection.
• Collecting and sharing data

  Some basic best practices and resources on how to start thinking about your data management practices.
• Data credibility and research

  Some resources on existing research, how to work with academic partners, and ensuring your results matter.
• Organizing volunteers

  Supporting you in organizing your volunteers and setting expectations for what you can accomplish with different levels of resources.
• Designing a sustainable water monitoring program

  Tips on being reasonably ambitious so you can collect data for the long-term as well as fundraising tips and resources.
• Engaging with stakeholders and decision-makers

  Often, you'll need to work with others to achieve your goals. Some ideas on how you can engage meaningfully and seek out collaborators for meaningful changes.
• Reporting and sharing your impact and successes

  Some great examples and best practices on how to build in impact reporting and storytelling from the beginning of your program.
• Tools and templates

  Some great examples of visualization, communication, reporting, volunteer management, and full systems that you can use.
• UK examples

  There are some amazing examples in the UK to inspire you! Here's some information and links to see them in action.
• Examples around the world

  Just a few inspirational organizations and countries around the world to learn from.