Step 2: Make a schedule

Testing in regular intervals helps us understand water health, so you should create a schedule that you can follow! Follow official testing days, or choose higher frequency (weekly) during your area’s testing season (usually late spring through early fall). Less sites done consistently give us better baselines, but if you can’t revisit a spot often, that’s okay! You won’t be able to see trendlines until you revisit the same spot, however.

Official testing days

Testing happens throughout Canada on the last Sunday of every month (back-up days are Friday, Saturday, and Monday of the same weekend). We’ll email you a reminder!

Testing while travelling

Many testers also take their kits on holiday with them! We’ve packed the whole kit into our suitcase, and everything but dissolved oxygen went through carry-on. It’s a great way to see new lakes and visit new places!

I loved this program. It was an easy way to be introduced to citizen science and anyone could do it. The kit and guide explained everything really well. My four-year-old loved it as did my 60 year old mother. Well thought out and delivered!

Meaghan Murphy, tester since 2016