Volunteer for Water Quality Monitoring with WRWC and URI Watershed Watch!
Do you care about the health of the Woonasquatucket River? Do you want to contribute to real environmental science? The Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council (WRWC) is seeking volunteers to help monitor water quality along the river as part of the University of Rhode Island’s (URI) Watershed Watch program! This is an opportunity to become a citizen scientist and help track the health of one of Rhode Island’s most vital waterways.
Interested? Contact hessington@wrwc.org to learn more and sign up for the 2024 monitoring season.
Why Water Monitoring Matters
Water quality monitoring provides essential data on the health of the Woonasquatucket River. By regularly testing for factors such as dissolved oxygen, bacteria, and temperature, we can assess long-term trends and identify any emerging environmental concerns. The data collected helps WRWC and environmental partners better understand how land use, stormwater runoff, and climate change impact the river’s ecosystem.
Volunteer Responsibilities
Each year, WRWC coordinates dedicated volunteers to monitor several sites along the river from April through October. Volunteers will:
- Receive training through both an in-classroom and field session with the URI Watershed Watch program.
- Be assigned a monitoring site in Johnston, Smithfield, or Providence.
- Collect and record water quality data bi-weekly.
- Submit data to URI for further analysis, with some samples sent for additional testing each month.
About URI Watershed Watch
The URI Watershed Watch program has been monitoring Rhode Island’s lakes, ponds, reservoirs, rivers, and streams for decades. The program focuses on a watershed-wide approach, recognizing that water quality reflects the activities occurring upstream and in surrounding areas. By engaging volunteers, the program fosters community-driven stewardship and helps ensure Rhode Island’s freshwater and coastal resources remain healthy and vibrant.
Monitoring the Woonasquatucket River
WRWC has been collecting water quality data through the URI Watershed Watch program since 2003. Over the years, we’ve expanded our monitoring efforts to provide a comprehensive picture of the river’s health. Our current monitoring sites include:
- Rising Sun Mills Dam (Providence): Our first monitoring site, established in 2003, just before the river becomes tidal.
- Greystone Mill Pond Dam (Johnston/North Providence border): Added in 2005, with data collection moving below the dam in 2008.
- Water Place Park (Providence): Established in 2008, this brackish water site is crucial for tracking urban water quality and fish migration.
- Whipple Field (Smithfield): Added in 2017, this site near the river’s headwaters offers insight into water quality at the river’s more pristine sections.
What We Monitor
WRWC volunteers measure key water quality indicators, including:
- Dissolved Oxygen (essential for aquatic life)
- Water Temperature (affects fish and ecosystem health)
- Weather Conditions (can impact water quality fluctuations)
- Salinity (important for tracking tidal influence at certain sites)
- Bacteria Levels (indicates potential contamination sources)
- Nutrients (can contribute to algae growth and water quality issues)
Get Involved!
By volunteering as a water quality monitor, you’ll play a direct role in protecting and preserving the Woonasquatucket River. No prior experience is necessary—just a passion for environmental stewardship!
Interested? Contact hessington@wrwc.org to learn more and sign up for the 2024 monitoring season.