Surface Water Management Division

Volunteer Lake-Monitoring Program

Volunteers play an integral role in protecting and improving the health of Snohomish County lakes. 

Since 1992, Surface Water Management (SWM) has trained over 150 citizen volunteers to monitor lake water quality in 38 of the County's lakes.   Currently volunteers help SWM monitor 26 lakes.

Be a Volunteer

Surface Water Management is seeking volunteers to monitor lake water quality in 2010 for the following lakes:

Chain, Goodwin, Meadow, North Lake Roesiger, Rowland 

We are also seeking two aquatic plant monitors.  These are unique volunteer positions and would require visiting several lakes throughout the summer to gather information on aquatic plants including potentially harmful invasive aquatic plants.   SWM staff will provide all necessary training  - only a boat is required. 

Importance of Monitoring by Volunteers

Volunteers are essential to the success of SWM's lake monitoring program.  Their time and efforts provide information that could not be obtained with County resources alone.  The information collected by volunteers is used to:  

• Determine the current conditions of Snohomish County lakes
• Evaluate changes in lake health over time
• Identify problems affecting a specific lake in the early stages
• Provide support for maintaining and restoring lakes
• Educate lakeside landowners on how to improve lake health

What it takes to be a volunteer

Being a volunteer lake monitor is a fun and rewarding experience.  Volunteer activities include measuring water transparency and surface temperature and collecting water samples.  Previous experience is not necessary; SWM will provide training and monitoring equipment.  

Volunteers must be able to commit to the following: Have direct access to lake Have access to a boat Participate in a 4 hour volunteer training Conduct bi-monthly monitoring May-Oct (30 min.) Collect monthly water samples June-Sept (1 hour)

Volunteers that have more time may also commit to measuring temperature and oxygen levels and/or taking lake level measurements. 

Contact

Marisa Burghdoff, Water Quality Analyst, 425-388-3464 extension 4639