Across the nation, volunteer groups monitor the condition of streams, rivers, lakes, reservoirs, estuaries, coastal waters, wetlands, and well. The do this because they want to help protect a stream, lake, bay or wetland near where they live, work, or play. Their efforts are of particular value in providing quality data and building stewardship of local waters. The number, variety, and complexity of these projects are continually on the rise. Credible and defensible water quality data collected by volunteer groups is of the utmost importance sine state agencies, like many other organizations, are continuing to do more with less resources in both personnel and funding.

GateWay Community College has partnered with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to provide one-credit course on water quality sampling to train Arizona Volunteer groups. Customized classes can be provided upon request by contacting Mario Castaneda, Faculty, at 602-286-8663.