Monitoring Parameters

As a Lake Monitoring Volunteer, you can choose from a suite of measurements that asses the condition of your lake (water clarity, spring and summer phosphorus, chlorophyll (algae), dissolved oxygen and temperature, native and invasive aquatic plants, and shoreline habitat). Click on the tiles below for information on each monitoring parameter including monitoring instructions, recorded trainings, data sheets, and more.

NOTE: New volunteers can only choose from the Basic Water Quality Parameter list.

Basic Water Quality Parameters

New and experienced volunteers may enroll.

Secchi Disk Water Transparency

Secchi disk transparency is a measure of water clarity. This valuable measurement is like taking the pulse of your lake.

Spring Phosphorus

Phosphorus is a key nutrient that fuels plants and algae in lakes. Spring phosphorus estimates the amount of phosphorus in the entire water column of your lake.

Summer Phosphorus

Phosphorus is a key nutrient that fuels plants and algae in lakes. Summer phosphorus is used to estimate your lake’s productivity (trophic status) – Oligotrophic, Mesotrophic, or Eutrophic.

Exotic Aquatic Plant Watch

The Exotic Aquatic Plant Watch is an early detection monitoring protocol for troublesome invasive aquatic plants that might end up in your lake.

Score the Shore

Shorelines are critical habitat that influence water quality. Score the Shore is a protocol to assess the quality of your lake's shoreline habitat.

Advanced Water Quality Parameters

Only volunteers who have been in the CLMP for more than one year may enroll.

Dissolved Oxygen/Temperature

A lake's dissolved oxygen and temperature influences the physical, chemical, and biological qualities of your lake. Measurements are used to determine stratification patterns and oxygen depletion.

Chlorophyll-a (Algae)

Chlorophyll is a measure of the amount of algae growing in your lake. Chlorophyll measurements help determine the productivity (trophic status) of your lake- Oligotrophic, Mesotrophic, or Eutrophic.

Aquatic Plant Mapping

Aquatic plants are a natural and essential part of a lake. This is a protocol to map and quantify the aquatic plants in your lake.