Water Quality Monitoring

What is James River Watch?

James River Watch is a river conditions map that communicates bacteria levels and other river conditions to the public. During the summer, weekly swimming, and paddling conditions are made available at www.jamesriverwatch.org, so before you head down to the banks of the James and take the plunge, remember that it pays to know before you go!

Why Monitor Bacteria?

While the James River is a great place to cool off, it can carry extra pollutants during periods of high water and after heavy summer downpours. Some segments of the river are impaired due to excessive harmful bacteria—which can make an afternoon on the river less enjoyable. James River Watch was designed to report bacteria levels and communicate them to the public, so you can have a better time on the water!

The State of the James is a report card summarizing ongoing efforts to bring the James River back to full health. This comprehensive assessment of the health of the river is published every two years. View the report to see how the river’s health has changed.

View the report here

Frequently Asked Questions:

What day do you sample?

Volunteers collect water and take measurements on Thursdays between 9 am and 2 pm. Depending on the site, there may be a short amount of time on Friday required to read your sample results.

Do I have to sample every week during the summer? I have a vacation planned, can I still sample?

Before the season starts we try to get the availability for all of our volunteers and create a schedule for the whole summer. Typically, volunteers will be assigned 3-4 weeks when they have indicated they are available, though that number may change based off of your availability and the availability of other volunteers.

Want to learn more about James River Watch?

Volunteers help us track the health of the James by collecting water samples every Thursday between Memorial Day and Labor Day. No monitoring or science background is required. We will assign volunteers to sampling teams, and work with each volunteer to help establish a sampling schedule that fits individual schedules and availability.

Water Quality Monitoring Training 2025

Our 2024 training sessions have wrapped up, but we’d be thrilled to have you participate in our 2025 program. To get started, please complete the form below. We’ll reach out when the next round of trainings kicks off in early spring. If you have general questions about volunteering for the James River Watch project in 2025, you can email Jamie Brunkow at jbrunkow@thejamesriver.org.

Volunteer Interest Form

Sampling Locations:

Hampton River, Hampton
Riverside Park, Newport News
Denbigh Park, Warwick River, Newport News
Deep Creek Marina, Newport News
Jamestown Beach, James City County
Powhatan Creek Park, James City County
College Creek Beach, Williamsburg
College Landing Park, Williamsburg
Chickahominy Riverfront Park (Chickahominy River)
City Point, Hopewell
Harvell Dam, Petersburg
Osborne Landing, Henrico County
Grapevine Bridge – Chickahominy River, Sandston
Pony Pasture, Richmond
Huguenot Flatwater, Richmond
Robious Landing, Chesterfield County
Rockett’s Landing, Richmond
14th Street Access Point, Richmond
Rope Swing beach at Tredegar, Richmond
Reedy Creek, Richmond
42nd Street JRPS Access, Richmond
Tucker Park at Maidens Crossing, Goochland County
Public boat ramp, Scottsville
Riveredge Park, Madison Heights
Ben Salem Wayside Park, Lexington (Maury River)
DGIF Public landing, Buchanan
Riverview Park, Charlottesville (Rivanna River)
Darden Towe Park, Charlottesville (Rivanna RIver)
Main Street Bridge, Farmville (Appomattox River)

Use your time on the river to give back to its health.

If you routinely spend time fishing, paddling, or boating the James or one of its tributaries, we have other volunteer opportunities that you may be interested in!

Help the James - on the water