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The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is recruiting volunteers, especially in northwest Minnesota, to measure water clarity in lakes and streams for the

"The Volunteer Water Monitoring Program has become the second oldest, and still active, volunteer water monitoring program in the nation, empowering Minnesotans from all corners of the state to support the health of our beloved waters," a release said. "We need help monitoring the state’s 12,000-plus lakes and 92,000-plus miles of streams. (This program) is the perfect opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts and those interested in protecting our state’s natural resources."

No experience is needed to volunteer.

The agency provides volunteers with training and the necessary tools to conduct a clarity test in a body of water twice a month. Volunteers record a reading and jot down observations with each clarity test.

"The MPCA uses the data to help determine whether lakes and streams are meeting water quality standards, which are designed to protect aquatic life and recreational activities like fishing and swimming," the release said. "In some cases, the information gathered by volunteers is the only monitoring done on a particular lake or stream."

Those interested in monitoring a stream or river must monitor one that flows year-round. Samples are collected from a bridge or stream bank between April and September.

Those interested in monitoring lakes must have access to watercraft, such as a kayak, in order to conduct each test. Lake testing is done between May and September.

Findings are submitted at the end of the season in September. These tests are important as they indicate stream and lake health. A low clarity test could signify excess sediment in a stream or excess algae in a lake. These conditions can negatively impact the local ecology and recreational opportunities.

Thus, becoming a volunteer can play a part in preventing these negative effects.

Those interested can sign up via the . Additionally, the agency can be reached via email at watervolunteers.mpca@state.mn.us or by phone at (651) 296-6300 and (800) 657-3864.