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NORTH IDAHO CITIZEN'S VOLUNTEER MONITORING PROGRAM, ANNUAL SUMMARY 1988
Description:
The Citizens Volunteer Monitoring Program was initiated by the Division of Environmental Quality in the summer of 1987. Objectives of the program are to collect water quality data in a cost-effective manner, using volunteer support; to use water quality monitoring data to verify long-term water quality trends and trophic status; and to improve community awareness of water quality protection and related issues. Sampling sites are: Lower Twin Lake, Upper Twin Lake, Cocolalla Lake, Spirit Lake, Hayden Lake, Priest Lake, and the Spokane River (17010305, 17010214, 17010215). Priest and Hayden Lakes had the greatest water clarity, averaging almost 11 meters. Cocolalla Lake had the lowest average water clarity. Cocolalla, Spirit, and Lower Twin Lakes have internal, as well as external, nutrient sources entering the water column. The results of the 1988 program were similar to those found during the 1987 surveys and in previous water quality assessments. The report concludes that volunteer monitoring is not only valuable for developing water quality data bases and as a public education tool, it also has potential for locating sources of nonpoint pollution and directing watershed planning. Bellatty, J.M. 1989. Water Quality Status Report No. 86. Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Division of Environmental Quality, Boise, ID. 75 pp.