PROJECT OVERVIEW

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To strengthen our understanding of river conditions, PBW has deployed a Sonde system below Magic Reservoir that measures water quality in real time. This technology tracks key parameters, including water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, oxidation-reduction potential, salinity, and nitrates - a common pollutant from residential and agricultural fertilizers. Monitoring these parameters daily and over time will allow us to detect emerging issues early, establish long-term trends, and strengthen our ability to protect river health.

We’re also expanding this effort with a second Sonde on the mainstem of the Big Wood River, which will monitor an additional pollutant, magnesium chloride, which is a road de-icing chemical known to affect aquatic life. Together, these instruments create the foundation of a real-time water quality network that fills a critical data gap for the Big Wood River.
 

With this system in place, PBW and our partners will have the science needed to make better, faster, and more informed decisions—ensuring healthier water for fish, wildlife, and the communities that depend on the Big Wood.

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PROJECT GOALS & BENEFITS

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• Establish baseline for water quality: Fill a critical data gap in water quality monitoring with real-time datasets on temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, salinity, nitrates, and magnesium chloride

• Track river health: Expand coverage to track pollutants that affect river health and establish seasonal and annual trendlines that show how water quality is changing

• Anticipate changes: Early detection of nutrient spikes, oxygen crashes, or pollutant events

• Share data publicly: Public access to data via PBW platforms, building transparency and trust

• Create a replicable model: Capacity to expand into a larger monitoring network with additional Sonde systems

• Strengthen restoration science: Build the scientific foundation to guide restoration and advocacy

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PARTNERSHIPS

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​This project is led directly by Project Big Wood, building a first-of-its-kind water quality network for the Big Wood River.