Tier 1
Methodologies
The methodologies for monitoring are explained in the sections below. Click on a topic
to find step by step instructions along with overview videos. For specifications about
the equipment used and costs visit our UWW Equipment Spreadsheet.
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| Field Observations & Sampling Locations | Temperature |
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| pH | |
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| Dissolved Oxygen (Stream Only) | |
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| Decontamination | |
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Click on the link below for the appropriate Tier I datasheet:
Opportunities
Learn how to get started by clicking the Get Involved link!
Click this map of available sites to see a more detailed, google version.
Interested in doing more with you class or club? Check out Stream Side Science!
This is the first stage of the Utah Water Watch program. This is our introductory
tier that allows for volunteers to get experience monitoring and collecting credible
data. After consistently collecting Tier I data, volunteers can move to more advanced
water quality sampling.
Who may participate?
- Any interested citizen that has attended a Utah Water Watch Training.
- It is an excellent program to incorporate with you class or camps.
Why participate?
- Gain understanding of water quality in Utah and encourage stewardship
- Participate in citizen science and learn monitoring techniques
- Data collected will be added to a database available to the public and state managers
Tier I monitoring uses both qualitative and quantitative methods that are appropriate for all ages. The data that is collected by these methods are used for educational and screening purposes. The data collected in Tier I is shared with professional water managers and allows them to identify potential problems or areas that need additional monitoring. In this way Utah Water Watch volunteers are serving as allies, helping monitor and protect lakes and streams by being stewards of their monitoring locations.
Lakes
The Lakes program adapts Tier 1 monitoring for the unique nature of lakes while providing monitoring opportunities for our more engaged volunteers. If you decide to help with this program, you will learn more about the ecology, as well as the threats to your local water bodies. Whether you are a state parks employee, student, educator, or interested citizen, being a Utah Water Watch volunteer is a fun and easy way to be more involved in your local watershed.
Find out more about the unique lake dynamics in Utah on our Water Quality Extension page "Learn About Lakes"
General Monitoring
In this basic program, volunteers measure the temperature, Secchi depth and pH of their lake monthly. These are factors that influence local aquatic ecology. Monitoring lakes incorporates biology, physics and chemistry, and is a great tool for educators. The techniques and equipment used here are generally the same as the Tier 1 protocol. See the instructions below.
Turbidity
E. coli
E. coli is a bacteria found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals and can make us sick. Two methods are used to collect E. coli data and volunteers play an important roll to help keep our swimming and recreating safe. E. coli Monitoring Instructions (most will use Coliscan)
Spending time with the kids by a lake or pond? Check out the Utah Lake Watch Booklet