Get started on your way to stream sampling with our online modules!
Kentucky Watershed Watch Sampler Handbook
This resource provides volunteers with a comprehensive overview of the sampling program in one document.
Data Portal: Updating Your Annual Sampling Plans
(to assist KWW with supply distribution)
Updating Your Sampling Kit Chemicals Expiration Date
(to assist KWW with ensuring effective pH and Dissolved Oxygen kits)
Calibrating Your Conductivity Meter
(to ensure accurate conductivity readings)
Video Tutorial on using the pipette to collect stream water
Sampling Site Locations
Click on the map above to search for previously sampled sites (orange) and currently sampled sites (blue).
Explanation of Water Quality Parameters
Site Grading Map
(using pre-2024 sampling data)
In 2023, Watershed Watch began providing a list of Sites of Concern to the Kentucky Division of Water. Sites can be included on the list when multiple sampling results demonstrate exceedances of related water quality criteria or benchmarks. General stream observations and surrounding land uses are also considered.
Watershed Watch plans to continue to present this annual list to the Division of Water in an effort to partner on coordinated efforts to improve water quality. Although KYWW data cannot be used for regulatory purposes, the Division can use it for screening purposes and may follow up on concerns with a site visit or further sampling.
Volunteers who wish to have their stream location included on the annual list of concern should contact KYWW at contact@kywater.org. The list is typically presented to Division staff in July.
For site consideration, it will be helpful for sampling volunteers to prepare the following information:
Sampling data in comparison to any related benchmarks or criteria (preferably from multiple sampling visits and from multiple locations)
Photos of the sampling location
Suspected contributors to the water quality problem
Proposed solutions to the water quality problem