Water Quality Monitoring and Restoration Program

Program Description:

Norman Bird Sanctuary’s Water Quality Monitoring and Restoration Program conducts tests throughout the year on physical, chemical, and biological parameters of aquatic environments within the Sanctuary’s 300 acres and the surrounding area. To assess the ecological health of the aquatic habitats, data obtained is compared to Water Quality Criteria set by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.

This program will also identify possible sources of pollution and create potential solutions by developing restoration strategies and community awareness. Data produced will be shared with key stakeholders such as the City of Newport, Town of Middletown, and Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management to better manage our water quality. This program is made possible through the support of multiple organizations, community support, staff involvement, and volunteers.

About

Background

This program was created in January 2025 to monitor the health of our fresh and saltwater ecosystems on NBS property. To evaluate our water quality we monitor the chemical, physical, and biological components of our aquatic environments.

Water Quality Testing Parameters

To monitor the health of our aquatic systems, we regularly test chemical and physical indicators in both freshwater and saltwater. Freshwater tests include ammonia, phosphorus, nitrate, chlorine (free/total), dissolved oxygen, pH, and temperature, while saltwater tests include ammonia, nitrate/nitrite, salinity, pH, and temperature.

Aquatic Life Observations

While collecting water samples, we use the iNaturalist app to log and I.D. aquatic plants and wildlife we see at our site locations. (Check out NBS on the iNaturalist App)

Volunteer Positions

Site Guides (volunteer position is 18+)

Lead water quality samplers/testers to their sites and back to the NBS Lab using our provided site maps. Will become familiar with exact locations within streams/ponds for water collection to advise samplers.

Submit an inquiry.

Ecosystem Observers

Monitor our recent restoration sites through photos and field reports, and join us in hands-on work as part of our growing network of citizen science projects.

Submit an inquiry.

Water Quality Samplers and Testers (volunteer position is 18+)

Collect water quality samples at our fresh and saltwater sites. Test samples with lab grade equipment in the NBS Lab, we will teach you! We collect and test samples bi-weekly on Thursdays at solar noon (if raining we reschedule the following Monday).

Submit an inquiry.