Statewide assessments began in 1978, and have occurred every year since 1989. During this time over 150 reservoirs have been monitored. This has resulted in what may be the most complete, long-term study of reservoirs within an individual state. Through this effort we have gained a better understanding of reservoir water quality and the factors that influence it, as well as how water quality varies in the short (within summer) and long terms (year to year). The data generated through the Statewide Assessment helps the state meet Clean Water Act requirements for monitoring water quality, but more importantly, the knowledge helps agencies (DNR, MDC, local governments, etc.) identify problems and manage our lakes. 

Reservoir Observed Student Scientists (ROSS) is a community science program designed to introduce high school students to the field of limnology. Students receive field training from experts on how to properly sample reservoirs and how to process the samples that they collect (water clarity parameters, nutrients, chlorophyll, and cyanotoxins). This project is facilitated by the Limnology Lab at the University of Missouri and currently partners with Rock Bridge High School (RBHS) in Columbia, Missouri and Waterville-Elysian-Morristown (WEM) Public School in Waterville, Minnesota. The goal of this study is to generate quality year-round data while exposing students who are underrepresented in STEM fields to the tangible and enjoyable aspects of science! This program is currently funded by a USDA-SPECA grant.