Water Monitoring Community Scientist

(Volunteer registration opening soon)

This is your chance to make a real difference. Join our group of dedicated community scientists working to monitor and improve the water quality of our three rivers and their tributaries. OARS staff fully train volunteers, all equipment is provided, and volunteers must be 18 years or older. Training dates and sign-up information for the upcoming season will be available soon.

Once a month, early on a Sunday morning, community scientists head out to sites along the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord rivers to collect water samples, take in-situ measurements, and record river conditions. The data and analyses enable OARS, municipalities, environmental agencies, and others to improve the management of our waterways.

Additionally, bi-weekly on Monday mornings, some volunteers collect bacteria samples to monitor the health of the rivers for recreational purposes.

SUNDAY WATER QUALITY SAMPLING	MONDAY BACTERIA SAMPLING
Teams of 2–3 volunteers each sample one section of the rivers (4–6 sites).	Individual volunteers or pairs sample one of our three rivers (2–6 sites).

Sampling dates March 23, May 11, June 15, July 13, August 17, September 14, November 9	Sampling dates bi-weekly, May 12 to September 15


Sampling Locations:	Sampling Locations:
Assabet River, Westborough to Marlborough Assabet River, Berlin to Hudson Assabet River, Acton to Concord Sudbury River, Framingham to Concord Concord River, Concord to Lowell	Sudbury River, Ashland and Wayland Assabet River, Hudson and Maynard Concord River, Bedford and Lowell

RETURNING VOLUNTEER WAIVER

RETURN TO VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

~30%

of the SuAsCo rivers watershed is wetlands, crucial for wildlife habitat and water quality

~30%

of water samples in the SuAsCo rivers watershed contain PFAS, leading to increased monitoring and remediation by local authorities and environmental groups

~70%

of dams in the SuAsCo watershed are over a century old, requiring extensive upkeep and presenting obstacles to river restoration and fish passage

>40%

of the land within the watershed is publicly accessible, offering recreational opportunities such as hiking, boating, and birdwatching to the community

~15%

of the land in the SuAsCo rivers watershed is covered by impervious surfaces such as roads, rooftops, and parking lots. This contributes to stormwater runoff and water pollution issues

>40%

of the land within the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord rivers watershed is publicly accessible, providing endless opportunities for paddling, hiking, and wildlife exploration.

Water Monitoring Community Scientist

Seeking Volunteers for Monthly & Weekly Monitoring

2026 In-person Trainings

Coming soon

2025 Sampling Schedules (2026 coming soon)

Water Monitoring Community Scientist

Seeking Volunteers for Monthly & Weekly Monitoring

2026 In-person Trainings

Coming soon

2025 Sampling Schedules (2026 coming soon)

OARS SEEKS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR