Continuous Water Quality Monitoring

Water quality is an important indicator of watershed health and can change throughout seasons, across geographic area, and by changes in development, land use, and climate. This community science project aims to track in-stream water quality in real time across the St. Vrain Basin and fill in key data gaps identified by scientists in the area. In partnership with Trout Unlimited’s St. Vrain Anglers Chapter, we are piloting EnviroDIY sensors to collect water quality data at four sites in 2023. Follow along as The Watershed Center staff and a group of trusted volunteers track water quality and test instrumentation for future use at a stream near you!

Map of Continuous Water Quality Monitoring Locations

Click on the map to see observation locations.

How We Monitor

Continuous Water Quality Monitoring project utilizes the EnviroDIY Monitoring Stations developed by Stroud Water Research Center and instrumental “know-how” from Trout Unlimited to monitor continuous water quality across sites in the St. Vrain Basin. These sensors are powered by solar and will be maintained by scientists and volunteers. Take a look at the hatch charts below. Do you see any differences in the timing of emergence observations or the associated creek temperature or flow from year to year?

Station Assembly

How to Get Involved

This year is a pilot monitoring year to test equipment and data collection. As we test methods throughout the year, you can follow our data live MonitorMyWatershed interactive website. We look forward to testing and establishing more sensors in a creek near you!

Project Materials

Project Information and Manual

Coming Soon!

—Field Materials and Resources—

Flow Information

Sensor Station Management

EnviroDIY Monitoring Station Manual

EnviroDIY Monitoring Station Videos

—Data Entry—

CitSci.org Project Page

Monitor My Watershed Sign-In

What to learn more about the project?

Thank you to our partners:

City of Boulder
Boulder County
Trout Unlimited
Boulder County