With the help of over 30 volunteers from across Southeast Michigan, HRWC’s annual Chemistry and Flow Monitoring Program concluded its 20th monitoring season in late September 2022. During the six-month-long season, volunteers visited 23 sites across the Huron River and Downriver watersheds to collect water samples, measure flow, and monitor in-stream chemistry. The volunteer-collected program data enables HRWC to track water quality conditions over time and investigate water quality impairments.

Volunteer Jeff Pu collects in-stream chemistry measurements at Willow Run in Van Buren Township.

In the off season, HRWC staff analyzes the data on key water quality parameters, including phosphorus, sediments, bacteria, dissolved oxygen, temperature, and conductivity. The synthesized data will be shared with the public on HRWC’s Info Stream and via digital data reports. The data informs restoration projects to improve water quality and management decisions by municipalities involved in local stormwater groups, including the Middle Huron Partners and Alliance of Downriver Watersheds. These groups also provide the financial support to help maintain the Chemistry and Flow Monitoring Program year after year.

Chemistry and Flow Monitoring volunteers along the banks of the Huron River at Hudson Mills Metropark near Dexter.

We are so grateful for the contributions and service of the over 30 dedicated volunteers who participated in this year’s program! Without their tireless dedication to collecting key water quality data, the Chemistry and Flow Monitoring Program would not be possible. We would also like to acknowledge the City of Ann Arbor Water Treatment Plant and Paragon Laboratories for their laboratory analysis services of the water samples.

For additional information about the Chemistry and Flow Monitoring Program, click here.