We Need Volunteer Monitors for River Watch

The Narrow River Preservation Association is looking for volunteers to join their River Watch program. Volunteering to be a water quality monitor is a great way to learn more about the water quality of the Narrow River, and at the same time provide a much-needed service to NRPA. The water quality information collected by our volunteers has been used to make decisions that improve and protect the health of local waters.

No previous experience in water quality monitoring is required. Volunteers come from all walks of life and are of all ages, occupations, educational backgrounds and interests. It can be a great way for teens to gain community service hours.

This year, new volunteers are needed
to monitor sites on the river
that require a boat, kayak or canoe for access.

The monitoring season runs from May until October. Each volunteer is matched to a specific river location that they will be in charge of monitoring. Some locations can be monitored from the shore while other locations require a boat or canoe for monitoring. Every two weeks, on a day of their choice, volunteers monitor temperature, algae concentration, salinity, water clarity, and dissolved oxygen. On several designated dates, volunteers collect water samples that are analyzed at URI for nutrients, acidity and bacteria.

Training Sessions

All new volunteers receive training from the University of Rhode Island’s Watershed Watch personnel. Manuals and all necessary monitoring equipment are provided.  

Classroom training for new volunteers is recommended and will take place at URI’s Kingston campus on March 25 at 6 p.m. and repeated on March 29 at 1 p.m. (Choose one session). Field training is required and will be scheduled on Saturdays in April. 

Additional details about volunteer monitoring and how to join the program is available on the Training page and the Get Involved page on the URI Watershed Watch website.

For more information or to register for the training sessions, email Elizabeth Herron or call her at 401­ 874-4552.