Why Citizen Science?

Regular water monitoring helps us detect pollution early, track trends, and hold polluters accountable. Agencies like MT DEQ can’t be everywhere – community volunteers play a vital role in protecting our rivers and streams. By collecting and sharing data, you become part of a statewide network safeguarding Montana’s water.

You don’t need a science degree. Simple tests for temperature, clarity (turbidity), and basic chemistry can reveal a lot. Organizations like the Clark Fork Coalition offer training and lend equipment.

What You’ll Need

  • Basic Kit

    DIY Essentials

    • Clean, sealable glass or plastic bottles (at least 1 liter)
    • Cooler with ice packs (to keep samples cool)
    • Latex‑free gloves
    • Permanent marker and labels
    • Field notebook or data sheet
    • Camera (to document site conditions)
  • Optional Tests

    Advanced Equipment

    • pH test strips or meter
    • Dissolved oxygen test kit
    • Turbidity tube
    • Secchi disk (for lakes/ponds)

    Many of these can be borrowed from local watershed groups.

    • Step‑by‑Step Sampling Instructions

  • Step 1

    Choose a Site

    Select a consistent spot – e.g., a bridge, accessible bank, or established monitoring station. Take photos and note the location (GPS coordinates if possible).

  • Step 2

    Prepare Your Bottles

    Use clean bottles. If testing for bacteria, use sterilized containers (boil for 10 minutes). Label each bottle with site, date, time, and your name.

  • Step 3

    Collect the Sample

    Wear gloves. Rinse the bottle three times with the stream water. Submerge the bottle opening facing upstream, away from the bank. Fill completely, cap tightly, and store in a cooler.

  • Step 4

    Record Observations

    In your notebook, note:

    • Date, time, weather, recent rain
    • Water color, odor, clarity
    • Visible signs of pollution (foam, oil sheen, dead fish)
    • Nearby land use (construction, agriculture, development)
  • Step 5

    Analyze or Deliver

    If you have test kits, follow manufacturer instructions. Otherwise, deliver samples to a partner lab or organization within 24 hours (keep chilled).

    • Where to Get Help & Send Samples

    • Clark Fork Coalition – offers volunteer monitoring programs, equipment loans, and can test certain parameters. clarkfork.org/water-monitoring
    • Blackfoot River Coalition – supports community monitoring on the Blackfoot watershed and would love any research you do. blackfootrivercommunity.org
    • Montana DEQ – Volunteer Water Monitoring – provides training, supplies, and a statewide database for your data. deq.mt.gov/water/Volunteer

    Data Log Template

    Use this simple form to record your observations. Copy and paste into a notebook or spreadsheet.

    Site Name: __________________
    Date: __________________
    Time: __________________
    Weather: __________________
    Water Appearance: __________________
    Odor: __________________
    Temperature (°C): __________________
    pH: __________________
    Dissolved Oxygen (if tested): __________________
    Turbidity (clear/cloudy): __________________
    Notes: __________________

    Download Printable Log (coming soon)