Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I monitor?
What bodies of water can VASOS monitoring be conducted in?
Our protocol is for freshwater, non-tidal rivers and streams. It cannot be conducted in lakes, saltwater, or brackish water.
Creek critters, Salt Watch, and Nitrate Watch can be conducted in any body of water!
Can I monitor in the tidewater region of VA?
The VASOS protocol is only for freshwater streams and will not calculate a proper stream score in tidally influenced streams. The streams in the tidewater region of VA, shown in the purple outline below, tend to be tidally influenced, so VASOS monitoring cannot be conducted there.
Creek critters, Salt Watch, and Nitrate Watch can be conducted in any body of water!
Can I keep monitoring if I move out of Virginia?
If you move out of state but want to continue stream monitoring, the best way to ensure your data gets used is to connect with a local water monitoring organization. To find organizations near you, check out the interactive map at volunteermonitoring.org.
When can I monitor?
When is the VASOS monitoring season?
VA DEQ accepts monitoring data from March 1 – May 31 (Spring season) and from September 1 – November 30 (Fall season). VASOS accepts data year-round, however, so feel free to also submit data outside these windows.
Can I monitor in heavy rain or drought conditions?
Volunteers are not to conduct their normal sampling within one week of heavy rainfall (approximately more than 1 inch of rainfall in rural areas or ½ inch of rainfall in urban areas). During drought conditions, it is fine to monitor as long as water is flowing over riffles and is at least 3 inches deep. Do not monitor if water is standing or too low to flow. The best time to sample a stream is during its average conditions for that season.
Certification
Can a certified monitor take a group of non-certified people out to monitor?
Yes! Only one certified monitor is required to be present at a monitoring event.
I’m a teacher. Can I take my students out to monitor?
Yes, as long as you (the teacher) are certified, and you ensure the data collected is accurate. Your students do not need to get certified to monitor with you.
What happens if my VASOS certification lapses?
Monitors must submit data at least once every two years to maintain their certification. If you do not meet this requirement, you will receive a notice via email that your certification has expired. The email will contain information on how to recertify – a simple and completely online process. If you think your certification has expired and you have not received an email, contact vasos@iwla.org.
What does a VASOS trainer do? How can I become one?
VASOS trainers can train and certify new monitors. To become a VASOS trainer you must have been certified as a monitor for at least 6 months and have completed at least two monitoring events. Once you’ve met these requirements, you can attend two trainings with VASOS staff – one virtual and one in-person – to become certified as a trainer. Trainers must hold at least one training and certify at least one new monitor each year. If you are interested in becoming a trainer, email vasos@iwla.org.
Data
Why aren’t common net-spinning caddisflies included in the Muddy Bottom Protocol metrics?
Most caddisflies are very pollution sensitive, with the exception of common net-spinning caddisflies, which are pollution tolerant. So common net-spinners are not in the same category as mayflies, stoneflies, and most caddisflies. They are still a vital part of our scoring system, however, since they are counted towards the total number of bugs collected, so make sure to count them all!
Does the Creek Critters app upload to the VASOS database?
No, Creek Critters does not upload to our database since it does not use our protocol. It does upload to the Clean Water Hub though!