VCK monitors Ventura County’s waterbodies for pollution, and uses the results of its monitoring efforts to protect the water quality and ecological integrity of Ventura County’s coastal and inland waterbodies.

At the heart of VCK’s monitoring efforts are its volunteer composed Stream Teams that record water quality data in the field and take water samples to analyze in our lab. VCK’s Staff and Stream Team monitor in accordance with VCK’s Volunteer Water Monitoring Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP), that is certified and approved by the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board. Additionally, VCK monitors by reviewing discharge monitoring reports to determine permit compliance levels and by visually inspecting waterways for illegal fills. 

In October, 2009, Ventura Coastkeeper expanded its Watershed Monitoring Program to 6 Stream Team Routes & 35 Monitoring Locations spanning waterways, coastal waters, and storm drains in the Calleguas Creek Watershed, Santa Clara River Watershed, Ventura River Watershed, Ormond Beach Watershed, and in various coastal Watersheds.  Our comprehensive monitoring program is specifically designed to enable VCK and the public to identify impaired waterbodies and pollution sources; to implement and enforce the Ventura County Stormwater (MS4) Permit; to inform and enable policy that abates pollution; to find the most effective solutions to improve water quality; to prosecute polluters; and to enforce water laws that our government is unable to enforce.

Ventura Coastkeeper’s Stream Teams are composed of VCK staff and volunteers interested in protecting Ventura County’s waterbodies, enjoying nature, serving the public as watershed stewards, and learning about water quality monitoring.

Click here to Volunteer with a VCK Stream Team near you!                              

Click here for a VCK Watershed Monitoring Map

Click here for VCK Watershed Monitoring Article

Click here for Oct. 19 Ventura County Star Article