Every week from May through September, a group of passionate and dedicated individuals head out across the James River watershed, not for the views or the fishing, but for something even more impactful. They are our James River Watch volunteers, and their work helps protect the health of our rivers and the safety of our communities.
In honor of Water Quality Month, we’re taking you behind the scenes to show just how vital our volunteers are, and how they help us keep tabs on river conditions through water sample collection and analysis.
The Water Sampling Process
Each Thursday morning, volunteers arrive at designated monitoring sites across the watershed. There, volunteers carefully follow a scientific protocol to ensure consistent and reliable data. They collect water samples just below the surface of the river. These samples are then placed into labeled bottles and kept cool in a portable cooler to preserve their integrity until testing.
But it’s not just about grabbing water and heading home, our volunteers also record important site conditions like conductivity and air and water temperature which can influence water quality. Every detail matters.
Back to the Lab: Analyzing the Samples
Once collected, the samples are brought to different field stations across the watershed. There, the real magic happens. Using specialized testing methods, volunteers and trained staff measure bacteria levels, specifically E. coli and Enterococcus, which are indicators of potential fecal contamination.
These results help determine if the water is safe for recreational activities like swimming, tubing, or paddling. By Friday afternoon, the data is uploaded to JamesRiverWatch.org, giving the public real-time access to river conditions before heading out for the weekend.
Why It Matters
The James River and its tributaries are vital ecosystems, recreational spaces, and sources of inspiration for thousands of Virginians. But their health is constantly at risk from stormwater runoff, pollution, and climate-related changes. By collecting and sharing timely data, our volunteers provide the information people need to make safe, informed decisions, and they do it all with no expectation of recognition or reward.
Their dedication is a powerful reminder that everyday citizens can be scientists, stewards, and protectors of the natural world.
Thank You, Volunteers!
To all of our James River Watch volunteers:
Your work is essential, your time is deeply appreciated, and your passion inspires us every day. Whether you’re collecting samples, inputting data, or educating others about river health, you are making a real difference.