Volunteer Data Entry Resources
Citizen scientists have been collecting water clarity and chemistry data on many Wisconsin lakes since 1986. Lakes Biologists from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources have been collecting data from these lakes even longer.
The Surface Water Integrated Monitoring System (SWIMS) is used to store data from a variety of surface water monitoring projects around the state, including Citizen Lake Monitoring Network data.
These data are compiled into annual reports for each lake. Those reports are available in the Water Explorer Tool (WEx).
How to access the SWIMS database
Step 1: Create a MyWisconsin ID. You will use your MyWisconsin ID and password to access the SWIMS database.
- Printable PDF: How to Create a MyWisconsin ID (step-by-step instructions)
- VIDEO: How to Create a MyWisconsin ID
- Create a MyWisconsin ID
Step 2: Now, your SWIMS profile needs to be set up so that you can log in. Send us an email at LakesSupport@uwsp.edu and share:
- Your first and last name.
- The email address that you used to set up your MyWisconsin ID.
- The name of the waterbody where you will be conducting CLMN.
- The name of the lake group or organization you are representing or working with.
Once your profile is set up properly, we will email you to let you know that you’re ready to login to SWIMS!
How to Enter and Edit CLMN Data
How to enter Water Clarity and Water Chemistry Data into SWIMS
After you follow the steps above, you will be ready to enter CLMN data. This video demonstrates how to enter data from water clarity and chemistry monitoring events into the SWIMS database.
How to enter Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Data into SWIMS
After you follow the steps above, you will be ready to enter CLMN data. This video demonstrates how to enter data from aquatic invasive species (AIS) monitoring events into the SWIMS database.
How to enter Ice Cover Data into SWIMS
After you follow the steps above, you will be ready to enter CLMN data. This video demonstrates how to monitor ice cover on your lake and report ice-on / ice-off dates into the SWIMS database.
View CLMN Data
Water Explorer (WEx) Tool
You can view CLMN data and compare a selected year to previous years of data to better understand trends in water quality with the Wisconsin DNR’s Water Explorer (WEx) tool. The WEx tool generates a variety of graphs and visualizations to show the data and identify trends. Check out this video for a demonstration of the tool.
After you click the link below, scroll down to find your county on the Wisconsin DNR Water Quality page.
Understanding Lake Data
This guide was written to help people understand information about lake water quality and to interpret lake data. Each lake possesses a unique “personality,” or set of physical and chemical characteristics which may change over time. Lakes exhibit chemical changes on a daily basis while other changes, such as plant and algae growth, occur seasonally. A glossary of technical terms is included to help the reader understand the language used in the study of lakes (limnology).
For more information about the Citizen Lake Monitoring Network contact:
Paul Skawinski, CLMN Statewide Educator
(715) 346-4853 or paul.skawinski@uwsp.edu
Need Help with My Wisconsin ID, SWIMS navigation, or Report Viewing?
LakesSupport@uwsp.edu
Extension Lakes
College of Natural Resouces, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
800 Reserve St. Stevens Point, WI 54481-3897
Phone: 715-346-2116
Direct comments to lakes@uwsp.edu