The Lay Monitoring program equips and trains local lake users to measure the nutrient enrichment of lakes by collecting water quality data following a rigorously documented and quality assured methodology. This citizen monitoring program is based on trophic parameters and monitors approximately 55 lakes and 20 Lake Champlain stations per year. Long-term nutrient enrichment trends from this program are used to calculate the water quality score for lakes found online as part of the Vermont Lake Score Card.
Summarized chart showing test results and trends for Total Phosphorus and Chlorophyll-a from 2010 through 2021
Water testing as part of the Lay Monitoring program is performed weekly throughout the summer months and tests for chlorophyll-a, total phosphorus, and Secchi disk transparency.