Types of volunteer lake monitoring activities
Last updated on May 31, 2022
Lake monitoring program activities are defined as a Level of Study - a set of lake monitoring protocols that can be employed on a lake.
There are 5 levels of study programs that volunteers can participate in. The level of study that is chosen is based on the volunteer commitment and the specific concerns for the lake itself.
All levels of study require a minimum commitment of 3 consecutive years.
Level 1 study program
Monitoring activities include:
- Taking weekly readings for Water Clarity and Surface Water Temperature
- Optional: weekly dissolved oxygen and temperature profiles (if a field meter is available)
Level 1 studies can be conducted on any lake of interest and are managed by the BC Lake Stewardship Society.
Estimated time commitment: 1 hour or less per week
Level 2 study program
Monitoring activities include Level 1 study program activities plus:
- Capturing Spring Overturn and Late Summer Water Chemistry conducted by Ministry staff
- Optional: weekly dissolved oxygen and temperature profiles (if a field meter is available)
Level 2 studies are only available for select lakes and are managed by the Ministry.
Estimated time commitment: 1 hour or less per week
Level 3 study program
Monitoring activities include all Level 2 study program activities plus bi-weekly monitoring of multi-depth water chemistry and biological samples.
All water sample and data collection for Level 3 studies is conducted by volunteers. Level 3 studies can be conducted on any lake of interest and are managed by the Ministry.
Estimated time commitment: 1 to 2 hours or more either a bi-weekly or monthly cycle
Level 4 study program
Monitoring activities combine Level 1, 2 or 3 studies plus a Watershed study.
This study program provides detailed information on lake health as well as impacts of different land uses to the lake. This can provide great value in prioritizing short and long term management strategies for rehabilitation and protection of aquatic systems.
Level 4 studies are required to be led by the community and can involve multiple levels of government (including municipal, regional, and provincial).
Estimated time commitment: long-term, multi-year commitment
Level 5 study program
Monitoring study activities include:
- A full watershed assessment that includes Level 4 study monitoring activities
- A stream monitoring and assessment of riparian areas
Level 5 studies are the most comprehensive lake monitoring studies and can be very time intensive and expensive. Specific criteria would be required to undertake a Level 5 study and would require a community to lead the project with the involvement of multiple levels of government (i.e. municipal, regional, and provincial).
Estimated time commitment: long-term, multi-year commitment
What do I need to participate?
Learn more about volunteer time commitments and requirements.
Icons references
Public domain and creative commons icons from the Noun Project
- Biology, Partnership, River, Hydrology and Thermometer by Justin Blake
- Shutter by Zach Bogart
- About the program
- Types of volunteer lake monitoring activities
- Volunteer requirements
- How to choose a lake
- Volunteer highlights
- 3 years of consecutive field data collection
- minimum of 12 regularly spaced readings to collect per year
Learn more about volunteer time commitments and other requirements.
Contact information
Interested in volunteering?
Contact the Aquatic Stewardship Coordinator for more information and how to start a monitoring program on your lake.