Water Quality Monitoring
What is the 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!
Help the James River Watch project
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.
James River Association is hosting two virtual trainings this spring to introduce volunteers to the James River Watch project and teach you how to be a water quality tester. If you have general questions about volunteering for the James River Watch project in 2025, you can email Michael Gillert at mgillert@thejamesriver.org.
James River Watch - 2025 Volunteer Training
April 30, 5:30pm-6:30pm
Attend this training if you are interested in testing at any of these locations:
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Richmond City Stations (Huguenot Flatwater, Rocketts Landing, 14th Street Landing, Tredegar, Reedy Creek, 42nd Street Access Point)
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City Point, Hopewell
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Grapevine Bridge – Chickahominy River, Henrico
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Osborne Landing, Henrico County
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James City County Stations (College Creek Beach, College Landing Park, Chickahominy Riverfront Park, Jamestown Beach, Powhatan Creek)
James River Watch - 2025 Volunteer Training
May 1, 5:30pm-6:30pm
Attend this training if you are interested in testing at any of these locations:
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Robious Landing, Chesterfield County
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Tucker Park at Maidens Crossing, Goochland County
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Public Boat Ramp at Scottsville
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Riveredge Park, Madison Heights/Lynchburg
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Ben Salem Wayside park, Lexington (Maury River)
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Public Boat Ramp at Buchanan
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Howardsville Boat Ramp, Albermarle County
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Deep Bottom Park, Henrico County
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Main Street Bridge, Farmville (Appomattox River)
Frequently Asked Questions:
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.
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!
