What is the Secchi Dip-In?
The Great North American Secchi Dip-In is a national program that collects water transparency data. Since the Dip-In began in 1994 in six Midwest states, it has expanded to participation by more than 375 programs and 6,000 volunteers in the U.S., Canada, and several other countries. The Dip-In has generated more than 30,000 water transparency records that are used to map regional differences in transparency and to detect trends in transparency. Dip-In’s have provided valuable information on the nation’s water quality. The maps generated have shown considerable regional differences in transparency. Lakes in the northern parts of the United States and in Canada typically have the deeper transparencies, while lakes in agricultural regions of the Midwest have some of the lowest transparencies. Transparencies found during the Dip-In range from one inch to more than 65 feet. Almost 1,000 bodies of water have been monitored during the Dip-In for five or more years. The Secchi Dip-In is organized by Kent State University.
Who Can Participate?
Anyone who monitors transparency in lakes and ponds is welcome and encouraged to participate.
Why Should I Participate?
Become involved in an international monitoring program where you will be participating with other volunteers around the world. This is also a good way to educate the public about the importance of water quality in lakes and ponds. By participating, you will be helping to put together a picture of transparency across America and the world.
How Can I Participate?
You can participate just by taking a Secchi reading at your lake or pond’s deepest point. We ask that you do not go out if it is raining, if there is abnormally high boat traffic, or if safety could be at risk. Try to go out on a clear, calm day. Please use the spot that you normally use for taking a Secchi reading and follow your normal monitoring procedures. Please take out the sampling form and use it as a guide and a place to record your findings carefully and completely.
When Can I Get My Secchi Reading?
The 2009 Secchi Dip-In is between Saturday June 27th and Sunday July 19th 2009.
Where Do I Go To Enter My Data?
You can go to the VLAP website to receive the sampling form or you can go to the Dip-In’s main site to enter it directly into the database.
What If I Have More Questions?
If you have more questions you can contact Sara Steiner, DES VLAP coordinator at sara.steiner@des.nh.gov or (603) 271-2658. You can also visit the Dip-In website, to get more information.