Volunteer Stream Monitoring: A Methods Manual

USEPA's Volunteer Monitoring: A Methods Manual was written to provide a better understanding of the concepts and procedures needed to evaluate the conditions of streams and rivers. To review a section of interest, simply click on its link below; chapters, sections or the entire manual can be downloaded. For more specific information refer to the program's standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Full Manual

• Volunteer Stream Monitoring: A Methods Manual

Introduction

• 1.1 - Manual Organization

Stream Study

• 2.1 - Basic Concepts
• 2.2 - Designing a Stream Study
• 2.3 - Safety Considerations
• 2.4 - Basic Equipment

Watershed Survey

• 3.1 - Conducting a Basic Survey
• 3.2 - The Visual Assessment

Habitat and Macroinvertebrates

• 4.1 - Habitat Walk
• 4.2 - Streamside Biosurvey
• 4.3 - Intensive Biosurvey

Water Quality

• 5.1 - Stream Velocity
• 5.2 - Dissolved Oxygen and BOD
• 5.3 - Temperature
• 5.4 - pH
• 5.5 - Turbidity
• 5.6 - Phosphorous
• 5.7 - Nitrates
• 5.8 - Total Solids
• 5.9 - Conductivity
• 5.10 - Alkalinity
• 5.11 - Bacteria

Managing Your Data

• 6.1 - Managing the Data
• 6.2 - Presenting the Data
• 6.3 - Producing Reports

Appendices and Additional Resources

• A - Glossary
• B - Scientific Supply Companies
• C - Latitude and Longitude
• Survey Data Sheets
• Citizen Scientist Guide to QAPPs