Stream Biomonitoring (WAVE)

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation formalized a stream monitoring protocol to allow volunteers to collect data on the health of their local streams and rivers.  The Water Assessments by Volunteer Evaluators project runs from July1-September 30th annually.  Volunteers are formally trained and receive a WAVE Basic certification which empowers them to monitor streams across NY State of five years. 

Volunteers conduct physical, chemical and biological surveys of Rockland County's streams to monitor the current state of streams' health and assess the level of impairment. Streams are affected by the amount and type of pollutants that dissolve/flow into them, via storm drains and runoff.  Pollutants include sediment resulting from soil erosion from developments and construction sites; nitrogen, phosphorous and pesticides leaching from lawns, and roadway and parking lot runoff such as car oil, and litter.

The purpose for monitoring our waterways is to:

• Collect baseline water quality data for our streams in Rockland County.
• Connect citizens with their local streams through education and hands on involvement.
• Allow public access to water quality monitoring information for educational purposes.

This program is a collaboration between The Rockland County Soil & Water Conservation District and The Rockland County Division of Environmental Resources. The program started in Spring 2006 and is in partnership with The N.Y.S. Soil and Water Conservation Committee.Volunteers can receive volunteer or college credit hours.