Volunteer Water Monitoring Study

Across the United States, over 1,000 volunteer water quality monitoring programs rely on the dedication of community members to collect valuable data that contributes to environmental conservation. These volunteers do more than just collect data—they provide local knowledge, build community awareness, and foster a deep connection between people and the environments they protect. Understanding what motivates individuals to volunteer, how they experience these programs, and how participation benefits both volunteers and their communities is crucial to the ongoing success of citizen science.

This study aims to understand the motivations and experiences of volunteers participating in water quality monitoring programs, while also exploring how to integrate new technologies into the volunteer experience. Results from the study will help monitoring programs adapt to evolving volunteer needs and preferences. Results will also provide insights regarding the effects of technological change on the satisfaction and long-term involvement of volunteers in citizen science programs. Ultimately, this research will provide valuable insights to ensure water quality monitoring programs continue to effectively support environmental conservation while meeting the needs of both volunteers and the ecosystems they help protect.

The research will be conducted from 2024 to 2027 and will encompass multiple stages:

  • Stage 1: Fall 2024  The first stage involves interviewing and surveying participants from several volunteer water quality monitoring programs (including Baywatchers). This initial phase will gather data on volunteer motivations, experiences, and perceived benefits of participation. See More Information.

Updates on these activities will be provided as the study progresses.

This research is based upon work supported in part by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 2317235 Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. For questions about this research please contact amilman ‘at’ eco.umass.edu.