The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is recruiting volunteers to help track water quality changes in lakes and streams in Anoka County’s communities through the Citizen Lake and Citizen Stream Monitoring Programs.  Make a weekly tour of your lake or take a healthy walk along a nearby stream as you measure and record water quality.

Volunteer data helps Anoka County, cities, watershed management organizations and lake associations to see trends in water quality and find ways to protect our water resources. In some cases, volunteer-collected data is the only lake and stream data available, making individual, business, or organizational involvement critical.

Volunteers perform short and simple tests at their designated lake or stream once a week throughout the summer. Equipment and training are provided by the MPCA. Volunteers benefit by learning more about their favorite lake or stream, supporting a high quality of life, and helping to maintain and protect the unique waters that define our community.

WATERSPOT on Lake George.  The Lake George Conservation Club (LGCC) has been a Volunteer Water Monitor (see Lake George website) for many years providing information that helps the Lake George Improvement District (LGID) address water quality problems including the presence of Eurasian Watermilfoil, an aquatic invasive species.  This year (2014) the LGID, LGCC and the Anoka Conservation District are expanding and combining their monitoring programs to gain a better understanding of the lake and what lake property owners and users can do to preserve this shining water gem.

To become a volunteer or learn more about the program: view the Citizen Science Program (MPCA YouTube; 3:46) or Volunteers Make Citizen Science Work (EPA YouTube; 2:12), visit the MPCA’s Citizen Water Monitoring web page, or call 651-296-6300.