For a comprehensive guide on LPP participation, please refer to the 2022 LPP Partner Guide. The Partner Guide provides detailed information on sampling and QAQC procedures, flow observations, and data review.
LPP Parameters
- Chloride levels are on the rise in Vermont's waters. Read our explanation of the when, where, and why of chloride monitoring.
2022 Annual Partner Training & Orientation
Field Sampling
- The Addison County River Watch Collaborative has created this video to demonstrate proper water quality sampling techniques:
- Video demonstration of the total nitrogen sample acidification
- Sulfuric acid Safety Data Sheet
Flow Observations
- Survey123 - As of 2022, LPP is using the app Survey123 to collect flow observations directly from partners in the field.
- Survey123 smartphone app
- For a video tutorial on the Survey123 smartphone app, please click here.
- For a written tutorial on the Survey123 smartphone app, please view these slides.
- Survey123 Webform
- For a video tutorial on the Survey123 webform, please click here.
- For a written tutorial on the Survey123 webform, please view these slides.
- To view flow observations as they are submitted, please visit the LPP Flow Data Dashboard.
- Survey123 smartphone app
- Flow Observation Guidelines
- Example flow observation photos. Important reference for identifying flow level and flow category during sampling.
- USGS Current Water Data for VT website for accessing real time data and graphs of flow conditions for gauged streams in Vermont.
Quality Assurance
- How to calculate the relative percent different (RPD)
- How to create a box and whisker plot (Khan Academy)
- Matrix Spike: What is it and why do you need it? The ESS Laboratory has created a document explaining various quality control measures used during data collection.
Additional Resources
- Vermont Assessment Page with Lists of Impaired and Priority Waters
- Vermont Surface Water Assessment and Listing Methodology
- Vermont Surface Water Management Strategy
- Vermont Volunteer Surface Water Monitoring Guide
- EPA's “Volunteer Monitor's Guide to Quality Assurance Project Plans”
- US Geological Survey StreamStats
- WikiWatershed: Freshwater Stewardship Web tools
- Real Statistics using Excel