The Lakes Monitoring Data Set consists of the results from surface and subsurface samples collected from 6 to 12 metropolitan area lakes each year. Lakes are sampled on a rotating basis. Most lakes are monitored bi-weekly from mid-April to mid-October. Monitoring consists of dissolved oxygen and temperature profiles, Secchi transparencies, and samples taken at the surface and/or at various depths. Samples are analyzed for pH, conductivity, total phosphorus, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, chlorophyll-a, and percent viable chlorophyll-a. The Metropolitan Council collects this data to help determine possible trends and to aid lake and watershed managers decision-making. Contact: Brian Johnson at 651.602.8743 or via email at Brian.Johnson@metc.state.mn.us More information is available on the MCES Lake Monitoring webpage
The Citizen Assisted Monitoring Program (CAMP) Data Set consists of the results of surface water samples collected from Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN Metropolitan Area Lakes. Sampling for this program is conducted through the assistance of citizen volunteers, and the cooperation and financial support of watershed management organizations. The samples are analyzed for total phosphorus, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, and chlorophyll-a. Secchi transparency readings, surface temperatures and user perception rankings are also collected. This data is collected to supplement the Metropolitan Council's Lake Monitoring Data Set, to help determine possible trends, and to aid lake and watershed managers in decision-making. Contact: Brian Johnson at 651.602.8743 or via email at Brian.Johnson@metc.state.mn.us More information is available on the MCES Lake Monitoring webpage
The Large River, Conventional Monitoring Data Set consists of the results from grab sample monitoring of 32 water quality variables at 22 sites on the major rivers (Mississippi, Minnesota, St. Croix, Vermillion and Rum Rivers) in the Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN Metropolitan Area. The Metropolitan Council collects this data to measure compliance with water quality standards, document the effectiveness of the MCES wastewater treatment facilities, to identify sources of pollution, and to project future conditions. Monitoring sites are located to accommodate these needs and to document the water quality as it enters and leaves the metropolitan area. Contact: Jack Barland 651.602.8341 or via email John.Barland@metc.state.mn.us. More information is available on the River Monitoring and Assessment webpage.
The Streams - Nonpoint Source Monitoring Data Set consists of the results from baseflow and storm-event monitoring samples collected at seven sites located on metropolitan area tributaries to the Minnesota River. Event-based monitoring is conducted March-October. Water samples are analyzed for conventional pollutant variables, toxics, and organic compounds. Streamflow data are collected at all sites. Water temperature, turbidity, and precipitation data are collected at some sites. The Metropolitan Council collects this data to determine compliance with Minnesota water quality standards, assess nonpoint source pollution impacts in the Lower Minnesota River Watershed, help with development of Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) plans, and measure progress toward the achievement of water quality standards as Best Management Practices are implemented. Contact: Scott Haire 651.602.8747 or via email Scott.Haire@metc.state.mn.us. More information is available on the Stream Monitoring & Assessment webpage.
The Streams - Watershed Outlet Monitoring Program (WOMP) Data Set consists of the results from baseflow and storm-event monitoring samples collected at 15 metropolitan area stream sites. Event-based monitoring is conducted March-October. Water samples are analyzed for conventional pollutant variables, toxics, and organic compounds. Streamflow data are collected at all sites. Water temperature, turbidity, precipitation, and dissolved oxygen data are collected at some sites. This data is collected through a cooperative program between the Metropolitan Council and various citizen groups, watershed districts and watershed management organizations, soil and water conservation districts, and other government agencies. This data is collected to assess nonpoint source pollution impacts on Metropolitan Area watersheds, evaluate current watershed conditions, assess compliance with Minnesota water quality standards, and measure progress toward the achievement of target loads as Best Management Practices are implemented. Contact: Cassie Champion 651.602.8745 or via email Casandra.Champion@metc.state.mn.us More information is available on the Stream Monitoring & Assessment webpage.
The Streams - Outstate Monitoring Data Set consists of the results from baseflow and storm-event monitoring samples collected at six sites on the Minnesota, Blue Earth, and LeSueur Rivers from 1998 through 2004. Water samples were analyzed for conventional pollutant variables, toxics, and organic compounds. Streamflow data were collected at all sites. Water temperature, and precipitation data were collected at some sites. The Metropolitan Council collected this data to characterize nonpoint sources of suspended sediment, mercury, PCB and other pollutants, document water quality trends, assess potential reductions of mercury and PCB concentrations to achieve a "fishable conditions", and to implement Best Management Practices. Contact: Dan Henely 651.602.8085 or via email Daniel.Henely@metc.state.mn.us.
The Metropolitan Council's Wastewater Services Department collects daily precipitation data. Several stations are located throughout the seven-county Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN Metropolitan Area. The Metropolitan Council collects this data to support the analysis of a wide variety of other data that the Council collects. Contact: Jen Keville 651.602.1765 jennifer.keville@metc.state.mn.us