The WAVE citizen science sampling season is fast approaching, and DEC invites you to participate in the 10th anniversary year of the program. WAVE (Water Assessments by Volunteer Evaluators) is a DEC program where volunteers collect “stream bugs” to measure water quality in wadeable streams. Anyone who can kick over a rock can participate. The sampling season is from July to September.

Over the past 10 years, 31 active WAVE teams conducted 1,200 evaluations and identified 434 high quality streams across the state. DEC thanks these dedicated volunteers.

WAVE contributes to DEC’s professional monitoring program and local programs throughout the state. WAVE data are especially useful for documenting high quality stream segments and for flagging locations for professional follow up. Communities have used WAVE data to highlight and preserve valuable local resources. Documenting high quality streams can jumpstart local preservation projects and inform community planning.

To find out how to become a WAVE volunteer and what is involved, view DEC’s WAVE webpage and WAVE training videos, and read the WAVE Sampling Guide (PDF).