Welcome

For data explorers

You don’t need an account to view or download data — anyone can browse. Our open-access platform makes it easy to see what’s happening in your local waterways and beyond.

• Explore the map — zoom in to your lake, river, or watershed.
• Search datasets — find groups, projects, and organizations by name or location.
• View observations — click a site to see trends, graphs, photos, and notes.
• Download data — get full datasets for your own analysis or reports.

Explore the map

For data contributors

If you want to share your water quality data, start by creating a free Water Rangers account. You can log observations, track your sites, and see your impact over time.

1. Create an account — sign up and set up your profile.
2. Add your dataset — choose your sites, parameters, and equipment.
3. Record observations — log results, upload photos, and add notes for context.
4. See your data on the map — it’s visible within minutes for anyone to view.

Step-by-step guide

Data is open by default

• Structured with metadata following open data best practices.
• Curated for public readability (grade 5 reading level).
• Accessible via our API for developers and researchers.
• Downloadable in CSV for offline use.

Open data helps your efforts count toward research, policy, and local decision-making.

Support open data →