Minnesota Pollution Control Agency returns water monitoring program

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) – The MPCA Water Monitoring Program returns to Minnesota for 2024.

The program was first launched by the University of Minnesota in 1973. It went on to become the second oldest and still ongoing volunteer water monitoring program in the nation. Later, it was transferred to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency in 1978. It has been a success since then.

The MPCA is looking for volunteers to measure water clarity in multiple lakes and streams. Some of the lakes and streams are in the Mankato area. Anyone can volunteer. No experience is needed. The equipment will be provided, but if you are monitoring a lake, you will need access to a watercraft, such as a canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or motorboat.

Volunteers will measure water clarity at least twice a month during the summer. After each visit, they will record their reading and observations on the physical and recreational conditions of the lake or stream they were assigned. They will turn in the information at the end of each monitoring season.

Volunteers can apply at Volunteer water monitoring | Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (state.mn.us).

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