Level 3 study program overview

Training

Training on how to use monitoring and sampling equipment, fill out forms, and ship samples will be provided by the Ministry staff at no cost to volunteers. The meeting location, date, and time will be coordinated with the volunteers.

Volunteer responsibilities

The primary responsibilities of volunteers are to:

• Collect bi-weekly water samples and submit to an accredited laboratory for analysis
• Record data on water clarity (using a Secchi disk), lake profile readings using a water meter, as well as general weather and site information
• Maintain and store sampling equipment provided by the Ministry
• Submit a photo or copy of the completed lab requisition form and field form to the Ministry (see: Submit field data) following each sampling event
  • Volunteers also commit to entering the field data into the standardized digital format provided (available upon request) and sending within 30 days of the final sampling event for the season
• Return sampling equipment to Ministry for maintenance and storage within 30 days of the final sampling event for the season, unless otherwise arranged

Location

Level 3 studies can be conducted on any lake of interest. Each volunteer group will be provided with coordinates to a predetermined station site from which to collect samples.

Frequency

Undertake at least 12 evenly spaced samples during ice-off season.

Timing

When possible, samples should be taken between 10 am and 2 pm (best time to collect Secchi disk readings) and on the same day of the week.

Do not sample on Thursday late, Friday, or Saturday as the lab is not available to receive samples within holding times.

Equipment

Provided by Ministry:

• Secchi disk for measuring lake water clarity data and depth
• Handheld thermometer
• Field meter (such as a YSI) for lake profile data
• Water sampling equipment and bottles
• Forms, instructions, shipping labels, and shipping waybills

Monitoring programs may also require watercrafts, fuel and other equipment required for safe watercraft operation, including personal flotation devices. These items must be supplied by volunteers.