Water Quality Monitoring
C5 is dedicated to monitoring the water resources in our community. We maintain multiple monitoring sites in Charles City County, collecting monthly water quality data that helps us understand the health of our streams, creeks, and local waterways. Through community science, we work to ensure clean, safe water for all residents and to advocate for informed environmental policies.
Contact C5 through email or our Facebook page if you are interested in helping us monitor water quality monthly.
Monitoring Sites Map
Click on any marker on the map to view detailed information about that monitoring site and access its data on the Clean Water Hub.
Our Monitoring Sites
Water Quality Parameters We Monitor
Dissolved Oxygen (DO)
Measurement of oxygen present in water and available for fish and aquatic organisms; low levels may result in a decrease in species diversity.
Turbidity
Transparency or clarity of the water; more suspended materials in the water means less light for plant growth and reduced habitat and food for aquatic organisms.
Chloride
Measurement of the concentration of dissolved salt and often a problem near roadways in the winter; excessive levels can harm freshwater ecosystems and drinking water.
Temperature
Rapid or extreme changes in temperature can impact survival of aquatic organisms; temperature fluctates seasonally and is affected by air temperature, volume and flow of water, and runoff.
Nitrate-N (NO₃-N)
Nitrogen - present in waterways as nitrate - is an essential plant nutrient for growth; excess nitrogen from agricultural runoff and sewage can harm aquatic ecosystems.
pH
Measurement of acidity or alkalinity; affects aquatic life and chemical processes in water.
Phosphates
Naturally occurring mineral and essential nutrient of bacteria, plants, and animals; may result in harmful algae "blooms" when excess amounts enter waterways.
Data collected by C5 and hosted by Clean Water Hub | For more information, visit Virginia Save Our Streams