Water Monitoring Citizen Scientist

This is your chance to make a real difference. Join our group of dedicated citizen scientists working to monitor and improve the water quality of our three rivers and their tributaries. OARS staff fully train volunteers, and all equipment is provided. See below for training dates and information.

Once a month, early on a Sunday morning, citizen 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, April 27, 5:00–6:30 PM, Sherman’s Bridge Landing (rescheduled)
Tuesday, April 29, 6:00–7:30 PM, Acton Canoe Launch
Friday, May 2, 6:00–7:30 PM, Bedford Boat Ramp

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

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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 Citizen Scientist

Seeking Volunteers for Monthly & Weekly Monitoring

2025 In-person Trainings

2025 Sampling Schedules