Getting Involved
Q: How do I get started as an AWW Water Quality Volunteer Monitor?
A: The first step is getting certified through our free water quality monitoring certification trainings in your monitoring type(s) of interest: Water Chemistry Monitoring, Bacteriological Monitoring, and Stream Biomonitoring. Trainings are held statewide. Check out our Events Calendar for upcoming training opportunities, and be sure you are subscribed to our monthly AWWareness Newsletter to receive notice when trainings are scheduled!
Note that AWW’s core training season is January through April of each year.
Q: What can I expect throughout the training process for AWW water quality monitoring?
A: Interested Volunteer Monitors participate in free, hybrid (online and in-person) monitoring certification trainings (information about current trainings can be found on our Events Calendar) that are structured in the following way:
- Register: Although monitoring trainings are free, pre-registration for all AWW Events is required!
- Training Kick-Off: Participate in Kick-Off Virtual Call approximately two weeks prior to the in-person field session. This is not required for certification, but will help participants navigate the training process and meet AWW Staff and other training participants.
- Online Coursework: Participants complete self-paced, online coursework which consists of video content and quizzes focused on monitoring type(s) of interest. Online course enrollment begins on the same day as the Training Kick-Off, approximately two weeks before the in-person field session.
- In-Person Field Session: Participants will demonstrate their ability to conduct monitoring methods under the supervision of AWW Staff or AWW Volunteer Trainers.
Water quality monitoring trainings cover information related to the water environment, watershed health, pollution, water quality standards, and data management. Participants are trained and certified in the type of monitoring the session is offering: Water Chemistry Monitoring, Bacteriological Monitoring, or Stream Biomonitoring.
Following the completion of these components, you will be a certified AWW Volunteer Monitor and can take steps to select a monitoring site and acquire supplies.
Q: Who is eligible to participate in AWW water quality monitoring trainings?
A: Anyone is welcome to participate and become certified as an AWW Volunteer Monitor!
Youth participants under 19 years old will need a 4-H Water Waiver signed by a parent or guardian (provided at the training or via email prior to the training), and youth under 16 years old will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian who plans to get certified and monitor alongside them.
Bacteriological Monitoring
Q: How can I reduce my risk of E. coli exposure?
A: To reduce potential health risks, people should assume all surface waters contain some E. coli whether or not it has been monitored or an advisory has been issued. This means everybody should make sure not to swallow the water, or if there has been contact with the water, make sure to wash your hands before touching your mouth or eyes. The single most important way to prevent person to person spread of E. coli is careful hand washing.