Summary #
This page provides guidance on organizing and executing data collection for a watershed assessment. Once you have completed your background search, the next step is gathering field data on water quality, physical conditions, and pollution sources.
Even though previous data on water quality in your project area might exist and should be used, it can be useful to collect site-specific data on water quality conditions as part of your background search. More comprehensive data collection will be needed when conducting the watershed assessment as discussed in the next section.
Consider asking an area college or water quality/mining agency to come out for a day to run some basic tests. College professors who teach biology, chemistry, geology, hydrology, or environmental science often welcome the opportunity to take their students on a -field trip, where they can use their testing and lab equipment in a “real world” situation. Students who are interested in pursuing a career in the sciences are always looking for projects to work on for their future resumes, and many professors like to conduct research projects for eventual publication;
High school science teachers and students likewise can be valuable assets to your project Many high schools have lab facilities and some can conduct fairly sophisticated water quality tests in the field. Involving these local teachers and students often results in the recruitment of interested parents who staff agencies, businesses, factories, and civic groups that can become partners in your project.
Related Pages #
- Background Search — Start with existing information
- Doing It Yourself — Self-directed monitoring
- Training the Field Volunteers — Preparing your field team
- Field Assessment Tools — Equipment for data collection
Source and Last Reviewed #
Source: AMR Clearinghouse (amrclearinghouse.org). Migrated to AML-Connect. Last Reviewed: 2026-03-13.
[Admin note: Some external links in this article may be outdated. Verify before relying on them. Flag dead links for removal or replacement.]
Tags: assessment, monitoring, sampling, practitioner
