Become a Save Our Streams Monitor

Water quality monitoring is the only way to find out if our streams are healthy and clean enough for both humans and wildlife to use safely. Monitoring data can identify pollution problems, see if pollution regulations are being followed, and gauge whether restoration efforts are successful.

Only 30 percent of rivers and streams in the United States are monitored by government agencies, and even fewer are monitored regularly. Volunteer engagement in stream monitoring is critical to ensure neighborhood waters are safe.

The process to become a certified monitor has 2 fun and easy steps. Once you have completed the two steps below, you will be ready to monitor and collect crucial stream health data in Virginia.

Note: Before beginning the certification process, review the commitments in the Monitor Pledge.

Step 1: Complete the Online Save Our Streams Certification to learn about water quality issues and hone your macroinvertebrate identification skills.

Step 2: Attend a half-day field session to learn the VA SOS data collection protocol.

Step 1: Online Certification

The online certification process includes watching three webinars that will introduce you to water quality issues, macroinvertebrates, and the SOS program. Once you have watched the required webinars, you will complete the registration form listed and receive an email with a link to the macroinvertebrate identification quiz. After passing this quiz you will receive your Macroinvertebrate Identification Certificate. These steps must be taken prior to attending a field training.

Start the Online Certification Process

Step 2: Field Training

Individuals

Curious about the condition of your community’s waterways? We can get your started monitoring and connect you with other monitors in your area.

  1. Complete the Online Save Our Streams Certification process. Once you have received your Online SOS Certificate, check out this list of upcoming trainings. If there are no events in your area, contact a trainer near you.
  2. VA SOS can help connect you with monitoring teams in your area! Your local Soil and Water Conservation District, wildlife conservancy, or land groups may already be monitoring. Email VASOS@iwla.org to get connected!
  3. Have a group of 10 or more friends or neighbors who want to monitor with you? Fill out the Training Request Form to request a training in your area.

Organizations

Belong to a local club, naturalist group, or land conservancy? You can host a training and we will certify your new stream team! Please make sure your team can commit to the Monitor Pledge.

  1. Fill out the Training Request Form to request a training be held in your area for your group. VA SOS staff will reach out to set a date.
  2. Find a training location. Ideal training sites include ample parking close to a stream and easy access into the stream (bathrooms are a plus!)
  3. Recruit volunteers to become VA SOS monitors for your organization. Promote the event through your local networks.
  4. After the training, coordinate sites and monitoring efforts for your new monitors.

Maintaining Certification

VA SOS monitors must submit data within a year of their certification training and then submit data at least once every 2 years to stay active. If a monitor’s certification lapses, they will need to recertify in order for their data to be accepted. The recertification process can be completed entirely online. If you think your certification has lapsed and you would like to recertify, reach out to vasos@iwla.org.