Throughout the SVWC's existence, a major goal of the volunteer-based group has been water quality and groundwater availability. With farming, ranching, energy and tourism being the major industries in the area, water is invaluable to the community.

As changes in agricultural practice and population growth have occurred, the need for water resources have only become more important. Between 2000 and 2010, 592 new points of diversion became active in the Stillwater Valley, indicating groundwater withdrawal. To observe the impacts of more nutrients entering the groundwater system from increasing septic systems, four areas of the watershed were identified to be good monitoring areas for water quality.

​Since late 2020, the water quality crew has gone out monthly 10 times each year, collecting samples and analyzing data. The collected samples are tested for various parameters, including Total Nitrogen and Phosphorus, temperature, turbidity, heavy metals, Dissolved Organic Carbon and Total Hardness. Along 116 river miles, there is data from pre- and post-flood that has been compiled into reports to summarize the data and trends (Read more here). This data can be helpful to observe how water flow and composition have changed over time.

Most recently, the crew performed two rounds of heavy metals testing in 2024. These extra parameters are used to indicate the bioavailability of metals to aquatic life and are another health indicator for water bodies. In addition, the watershed council is looking into performing algal assessments to indicate stream health in the coming years.

Learn more about the water quality initiative through our StoryMaps (right) or updates (below).​

Learn more about SRWQI!

SRWQI Updates

2024 SRWQI Update

2021 Stillwater River Monitoring Project Ongoing

Water Quality Initiative Created for Stillwater Community