Contribute a stream observation
How to use this form
This tool is an online web form designed to help Citizen Scientist make simple observations while in the field using a mobile cellular device. The form requires internet access and location information in order to submit your observation. Depending on your cellular service provider not all sites will have internet access.
When at a site pay close attention to the direction you are facing, either upstream or downstream. The desired direction observation and take a photo is looking upstream, to make an with the water flowing towards you.
Click on the map below to explore and locate the different monitoring sites and then add your observation to the map.
Trash Observation Guide
Trash is a form of pollution that negatively affects our waterways. To help you choose the level of trash present refer to the images below.
Not Littered

Trash cannot be seen on the banks or in the water without searching for it; less than one piece of trash is seen for every 30 feet.
Slightly Littered

A few pieces of trash can be seen, but the majority of the area is free of trash. There is less than 10 pieces on the bank or in the water.
Littered

Trash is spread throughout the majority of the area, with a few areas remaining clean. There are 10 or more pieces of trash within the vicinity.
Very Littered

Trash is seen throughout the area, large piles have accumulated. A serious lack of concern for the area is felt.
Stream Flow Observation Guide
The presence and timing of stream flow is an indicator as to the health of a stream. It is important to monitor stream flow conditions over the course of the year to determine when a stream goes dry, since the timing can be critical to local animal, plant and fish species. To help you choose the correct stream flow rate refer to the images below.
Dry

The creek bed is completely dry, there is no water.
Separated Pools

The water is not connected, it is isolated, separated by rocks or other streambed materials.
Flowing - Still

The water is not moving but is continuous, if a leaf were on the surface of the water it would not move downstream.
Flowing - Slow

Water is slowly moving. Small ripples can be seen on the surface.
Flowing - Fast

Water is moving quickly, white caps can be visible, but are not a requirement.
Water Level Observation Guide
Water level indicates how much water there is in the stream channel. Water level varies over the course of the year, between winter and summer when the amount of water supply flowing to the creek channels changes.
High

Water almost completely fills its channel or overflows its banks. Vegetation may be underwater.
Low

Rocks that are usually underwater are now visible. Water is continuous.
Separated Pools

Water is separated by rocks or other bed material, the water is not connected.
Dry

The stream bed is completely dry, it has no water.