Overview
Have existing water quality data in a spreadsheet or another platform? You can bring it into Water Rangers by importing a CSV file. This guide walks you through the process step by step.
Each dataset on Water Rangers has a custom form that defines which parameters you collect. The import template matches your form exactly — so your CSV columns will line up with the tests and measurements your group uses.
Here's how it works: go to your dataset's form page, download the import template, fill it in with your data, validate it using the built-in checker, and submit it for review. We aim to process imports within 48 hours on weekdays.
Before you start
Before you can import data, you'll need an organization, a dataset, and a form. If you don't have these yet, here's how to set them up:
- Create an organization — this represents your group or program. Go to your dashboard and click "Create organization". Give it a name and invite any collaborators.
- Create a dataset — this is where your observations will live. From your organization page, create a new dataset. Give it a name and description that reflects the data you're collecting.
- Build your form — this defines which parameters (e.g., pH, temperature, turbidity) your dataset collects. Add the parameters that match the data you want to import. The import template will be generated from this form.
- Download the template — once your form is ready, you'll see a "Download import template" button on the form page. This CSV file will have all the right column headers for your data.
Location columns
Each row in your CSV represents one observation at one location. If the location already exists in your dataset (matched by latitude and longitude), we'll add the observation to it. Otherwise, a new location will be created.
| Column | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
Name | Yes | Name of the monitoring location |
Latitude | Yes | Decimal degrees (-90 to 90) |
Longitude | Yes | Decimal degrees (-180 to 180) |
Body of water | Yes | Name of the river, lake, etc. |
Water body type |
Yes |
One of the following values:
river_or_stream, lake, pond, canal, channelized_stream, estuary, freshwater_estuary, lagoon, land_runoff, ocean, river_or_stream_intermittent, reservoir, spring, storm_sewer, wetland
|
Description | No | Description of the location |
Site ID | No | Your internal reference ID |
Observation columns
These columns record when the observation was taken and any additional context.
| Column | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
Date (yyyy-mm-dd) | Yes | Date of observation in YYYY-MM-DD format (e.g., 2025-06-15) |
Time | No | Time of observation in HH:MM format (e.g., 14:30). Defaults to 00:00 if blank. |
Timezone | No | UTC offset (e.g., -04:00, +05:30). If blank, defaults to the location's timezone. |
Notes | No | Any notes about the observation |
Testers | No | Names of people who collected the data |
Parameter columns
The remaining columns correspond to the parameters in your dataset's form. The column headers will look like "Parameter Name (Unit, Equipment)" — for example, "pH (pH, YSI)" or "Water Colour".
Your template will already have the correct headers for your form — you don't need to type them yourself. Just fill in the values below each header.
Quantitative parameters
Enter numeric values. If the parameter collects multiple samples, separate them with a vertical line in the same cell (e.g., "7.2 | 7.3 | 7.1").
In the template, the example value for each quantitative column is the upper limit of the equipment's range — so you can see at a glance what the maximum reading should look like. Replace it with your actual measurement.
Qualitative parameters
Qualitative parameters use a fixed list of predefined options. The template's example cell shows every valid option for the column, separated by vertical lines. Replace it with the value (or values) that match your observation, spelled exactly as shown.
For parameters that allow multiple selections (like weather or water use), keep values separated by a vertical line (e.g., "sunny | windy"). For single-select parameters, leave just one value in the cell.
Tips and common pitfalls
- Always start with the template downloaded from your dataset's form page — it has the correct headers.
- Use YYYY-MM-DD date format. Other formats will be rejected.
- Save as UTF-8 encoded CSV. Most spreadsheet apps do this by default.
- Qualitative values must match exactly — check spelling and capitalization.
- Multi-sample values use commas. The CSV will automatically quote cells containing commas.
- Use the validator on your dataset's form page — it catches errors instantly and lets you submit directly.
- Leave cells blank for parameters you didn't measure — don't enter zero unless you actually measured zero.
- Each row is one observation at one location on one date. If you visited the same site twice, use two rows.
How to submit
Once your CSV passes validation, click "Submit for review" to send it to us directly. We aim to review and process imports within 48 hours on weekdays. If we have any questions about your data, we'll be in touch.