Volunteer Well Monitoring
WELL OWNERS ARE HELPING OSU SCIENTISTS GATHER INFORMATION ABOUT GROUNDWATER IN THE SOUTHERN WILLAMETTE VALLEY
- Working with their neighbors to learn more about their groundwater resource.
- Trained to collect water samples at their own well and a few other nearby wells.
- Performing simple nitrate tests and record the data monthly.
The OSU Extension Service Well Water Program is conducting a groundwater monitoring program to learn more about well water nitrate in the Southern Willamette Valley. This is a unique opportunity for homeowners with wells to participate in a groundwater study while learning more about their own drinking water.
Families, youth groups, service organizations, classroom teachers and individual residents are all encouraged to consider this opportunity for hands-on learning and community involvement.
Would you like to learn more about the program and what the volunteers have been doing? Please take a look at our Year 1 monitoring report (October 2006 - September 2007)
Also the below provides a summary of nitrate results from the first three months of monitoring.
If you would like more detailed information about the data or have any questions, please contact the program coordinator (see below).
Volunteer Manual for Monitors
This manual has been prepared to help with your monthly sampling and data reporting. It includes information on how to sample, test for nitrate, and record monthly results, as well as additional resources for groundwater information. Current Manual
Reporting Your Results
After sampling each well in your neighborhood network, the results should be reported to both the well owner and the Community Well Water Testing Program. Please make sure you fill out the datasheet completely, and save a copy of the data form in case it gets lost in transit. Digital forms can be saved on your hard drive, paper forms in the envelope in your kit. These forms are available from the program manager chrissy.lucas@oregonstate.edu. Postcards should be mailed or delivered to each well owner every month.
Other Resources
Pacific NW Regional Water Quality - 2004 Monitoring Workshop Canby, Oregon, July 13-15, 2004.
