How this surface water database is put together: The Streams and Lakes database makes it possible to view monitoring results across space and time in order to learn about water quality conditions and trends. It is structured in four distinct layers: Monitoring Region > Monitoring Set > Monitoring Location > Monitoring Event.

How volunteer monitoring events are the foundation of this database: All results are derived from volunteer monitoring events that are conducted in partnership with our volunteer groups. The Streams and Lakes database contains results from events conducted in monitoring locations:

• A SYNOPTIC monitoring event consists of a volunteer partner group collecting samples from recurring locations within a few hours and driving them to CSI’s certified lab for analysis.
• An investigation into possible sources of pollution is conducted by collecting samples from INVESTIGATIVE Monitoring events.
• A RED FLAG monitoring event consists of a volunteer partner group collecting samples from recurring locations and analyzing them in the field including controls to meet data quality objectives.