Water chemistry
Dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, turbidity, and other baseline measures.
Research Frameworks
How we choose and study a watershed.
Before anyone talks about results, there has to be a baseline. These are the criteria and methods guiding our watershed assessment research.
What we look at first.
Nutrient load
Nitrogen and phosphorus levels and likely runoff sources.
Algal bloom history
Frequency and severity of harmful algal blooms (HABs), from public records where available.
Biodiversity & habitat
Plant, fish, and invertebrate life, plus shoreline condition.
Community dependence
How people rely on the water for drinking, recreation, food, or livelihood.
Access & permits
Landowner permission, agency requirements, and safe access for monitoring.
Monitoring framework
Four steps. Every site.
- 01
Baseline
Record current conditions before any action is considered.
- 02
Monitoring
Collect data on a regular schedule using consistent methods.
- 03
Independent review
Invite qualified partners to review methods and data.
- 04
Public reporting
Share findings openly — including what did not change.
Know a waterway that needs attention?
Tell us about it. We'll review it against these criteria for future assessment research.
Nominate a watershedWhen we restore water, we restore life.
Join the volunteers, educators, scientists, and partners helping WWA build this work from the ground up.