How to Become a Mississippi Water Steward
- Complete self-paced online course-work.
- Register for an in-person training workshop.
- Find a local site to monitor and report water data!
Certifications
The Mississippi Water Stewards program (MSWS) currently offers three types of water quality monitoring certifications. A monitor may participate in MSWS by completing any or all these certifications.
Water Chemistry Monitoring
Water chemistry monitors are trained in areas of water science, water chemistry monitoring, and data interpretation. Water chemistry monitors help monitor local waterbodies for potentially unhealthy conditions, such as high levels of pollutants or low dissolved oxygen.
Bacteriological Monitoring
Bacterial monitors are trained in areas of water science, bacteriological monitoring, and data interpretation. Bacterial monitors help monitor local watersheds for potentially unhealthy conditions, such as wildlife or human waste contamination.
Stream Biomonitoring
Training combines a stream bio assessment with field collection of macroinvertebrates to calculate biotic index. Being trained in biomonitoring methods is a great way to assess waterbody health, enable youth to visualize how healthy ecosystems supports living organisms, and may indicate if water quality is impaired beyond recommended water quality standards.
Trainers
MSWS Volunteer Trainers will be required to adhere to MSWS training protocols to maximize consistency and integrity between our monitoring groups and to ensure the quality of the data collected by each citizen. The MSWS program depends on Volunteers Trainers to meet the demand for training workshops across Mississippi and experienced monitors are encouraged to consider becoming trainers after they complete 1 year of monitoring.
Stay In Touch
Join the Mississippi Water Stewards mailing list. It's the best way to stay up to date on upcoming trainings, important monitoring information, and even the occasional kudos.
Find Local Groups
Connecting with local environmental organizations is one of the most impactful ways to make a difference in your community. These groups work tirelessly to protect and preserve the natural spaces across Mississippi, from rivers, steams, and forests to historic trails and green spaces. By getting involved, you can contribute to meaningful conservation efforts, participate in hands-on activities like clean-ups and water quality monitoring, and help ensure these resources remain vibrant for future generations. Whether you’re passionate about outdoor recreation, environmental education, or simply giving back to your community, these organizations offer countless opportunities to engage, learn, and take action.
