Monitoring Water Chemistry
Water chemistry volunteers measure phosphorus levels, chlorophyll-A concentrations (a measure of algae growth in the water), water clarity, and a temperature profile from the top to the bottom of the lake. This type of monitoring is done four times per year, and requires several hours of time during each monitoring event. Chemistry monitoring helps determine if nutrient pollution is occurring in a lake, or if seasonal fish die-offs may be a possibility due to low oxygen levels.
How to Monitor Water Chemistry
Water Chemistry How-to Video
Want to know more about water chemistry monitoring? Want a little refresher after the winter months to make sure you collect and report accurate data? Check out this great how-to video!
Quality Assurance Sampling (QA/QC) for Water Chemistry Volunteers
This video is an overview and demonstration of the Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QAQC) sampling steps that a small portion of our water chemistry volunteers collect each year. 10% of water chemistry sites are selected at random each year for QAQC sampling. Part of the Wisconsin Citizen Lake Monitoring Network training video series.
Water Chemistry Sample Packing Procedures
This is our new method for packing water chemistry samples when sending them to the Wisconsin State of Hygiene in Madison. Shipping times have been slower lately, and additional ice is needed to keep the samples cool during their longer transit time to the lab. It is important to add the additional ice, but also to make sure bags are upright and fully sealed, to minimize risk of leakage from the bags.
Water Chemistry Training Materials
CLMN Training Manual (Chemistry Procedures)
Wisconsin Citizen Lake Monitoring Network Training Manual (Chemistry Procedures) – 4th Edition (March 2025)
Water Chemistry Monitoring Form
Use this form to submit temperature and dissolved oxygen profiles along with Secchi depth.
Water Chemistry Resources
Using your New CLMN Temperature Meter
There are two different models of temperature meter.
Yellow Bontron BT811 model
This unit has more advanced functions than what we will need for CLMN water temperature monitoring. You will only need to use two buttons, shown below. If you accidentally press other buttons, you can always turn it off to reset it.
Purple Nicety DT1311 model
This simple temperature meter is used for CLMN water temperature monitoring. You will only need to use a few buttons, shown to the right.
YSI has produced instructional videos on how to do these maintenance tasks with three of their popular dissolved oxygen meters. Click on any of the topics below to watch the videos.
How do I calibrate my dissolved oxygen meter or replace the sensor/membrane?
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