Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Seeks Volunteers for 2025 Water Monitoring Program

As spring arrives in Minnesota, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) needs help monitoring the state’s 12,000+ lakes and 92,000+ miles of streams.

The Agency is recruiting volunteers to measure water clarity in numerous lakes and streams – including several high-priority sites in the metro area – and then report back to the agency. The Volunteer Water Monitoring Program is the perfect opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts and those interested in protecting our state’s natural resources!

Over 50 years of environmental stewardship

The University of Minnesota launched the Volunteer Water Monitoring Program in 1973 and transferred it to the MPCA in 1978. It has become the second oldest, and still active, volunteer water monitoring program in the nation, empowering Minnesotans from all corners of the state to support the health of our beloved waters.  

How does it work?

Volunteers conduct a simple water clarity test in a body of water twice a month from April to September. MPCA provides all the equipment and training; no experience is needed.

The MPCA uses the data to help determine whether lakes and streams are meeting water quality standards, which are designed to protect aquatic life and recreational activities (like fishing and swimming). In some cases, the information gathered by volunteers is the only monitoring done on a particular lake or stream.

Visit the website: Volunteer water monitoring | Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Read about a volunteer water monitor: Ahead-of-her-time Battle Creek researcher returns as water monitor | Minnesota Pollution Control Agency