Water Quality Monitoring

Together, We Protect Maine’s Lakes

Join the powerful movement of hundreds of trained volunteers keeping our waters healthy and clear through water quality monitoring and stewardship.

Every summer, hundreds of trained and certified community scientists work with Lake Stewards of Maine (LSM) to collect vital, high-quality data about lake conditions. Each volunteer’s small actions combine to help protect Maine’s lakes for future generations.

Dedicating just a couple hours each month over the summer, volunteers measure water clarity, temperature, oxygen levels, and phosphorus, helping to track long-term changes in lake health. Together, their observations have created the most comprehensive long-term lake water quality dataset in the world!

Beyond routine monitoring, LSM volunteers also play a key role in tracking ice cover, harmful cyanobacteria blooms (HABs) and other forms of algae growth, and even help scientists calibrate satellite data (LandSat) used to assess lakes from space.

Whether you’re a curious newcomer or a lifelong lake lover, a middle schooler excited about STEM or a octogenarian reflecting upon the beauty of the lakes, your participation makes a measurable difference — ALL ARE WELCOME.

Get certified, explore the data, and become part of Maine’s most enduring environmental movement.

• Learn About Certification

• Register to Become a Certified Volunteer

• Explore Lake Data