The Science Behind Five Baseline Assessments
As a WAV volunteer, you'll learn how to measure five important elements of stream health using scientific tools and techniques. Select the buttons to learn more:
Water Temperature
Affects oxygen demand and can threaten creatures' survival.
Transparency
Takes into account both color and suspended particles in the water.
Dissolved oxygen
Lack of it can cause aquatic animals to quickly leave the area or face death.
Streamflow
The amount of flowing water in a stream impacts the habitat available for creatures living in and near the stream.
Stream macroinvertebrates
Insects, worms, crustaceans, clams and other small boneless creatures that are visible without the aid of a microscope are used to assess water quality based on their tolerance to conditions.
Volunteers monitor water temperature, transparency, dissolved oxygen, and streamflow once a month from May - October (or as conditions permit). Volunteers also monitor macroinvertebrates each spring and fall. Local projects' schedules may vary slightly. Follow the directions of your local WAV Coordinator if you have one.
Learn About the Science!
Learn about the five elements of stream health by clicking "next". Please navigate through all five elements before moving on in the course. If you'd like to revisit a topic, navigate to the modules tab. At the end of each topic, there will be a short 3-question knowledge check. You will have unlimited attempts but must score 3/3 on each check to move to the next module.