Volunteer Monitoring Programs
Volunteer monitoring is an important part of monitoring programs. Volunteer monitoring programs
will become increasingly important in the future. These programs are not only an important
source of reliable and relatively inexpensive water quality data, but give the general public
an opportunity to become more involved in natural resource protection. Such programs provide
participants the opportunity to learn about common water quality problems and possible solutions.
The results of such water quality data can be utilized by both the private and public sectors
in developing water management strategies.
Tax payers can benefit significantly from volunteer programs because the need is reduced for
paid personnel to gather water quality data. Volunteer programs are probably one of the most
efficient, low cost and effective means of gathering water quality data on a state-wide level.
The volunteer's commitment of time and energy benefits all of society.
Volunteer monitoring programs provide a neutral medium for individuals from all walks of life
to discuss and share ideas relating to natural resource management. However, limitations to
volunteer data collection exist, such as time commitments, proper function and usage of
equipment and the diversity of tests available. Often the strength of volunteer data is
proportional to the amount of background and training in data collecting.
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