The National Wild and Scenic Rivers System contributes 10% of drinking water throughout the United States. In addition, these rivers are essential for their cultural, recreational, and natural value.

Adventure Scientists’ Wild and Scenic Rivers Project collected water quality data in prioritized locations across the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Since 2020, volunteers have completed 1,323 surveys across 197 rivers. The project is now in its next phase: water quality data are with federal agency partners, the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and National Park Service­, for data analysis and applications to management and regulatory processes.

This dataset is available for access through the EPA’s WQX, or downloaded through Adventure Scientists’ “Request a dataset” website.

Data are needed to help understand current water quality conditions and the management actions or additional monitoring that may be needed to protect and enhance natural, cultural, and recreational river values.

Join Adventure Scientists Thursday, April 6th, 2023, to celebrate successful data collection for a virtual project wrap event.