First Time User

1. How do I find the app in the app store?

Search for “The Water Reporter” in your app store. Or, click this link to download the app for iPhone: . 

Click this link to download the app from Google Play Store for Android:

2. Which group do I join in Water Reporter?

Join the group, Penn State Extension. Once logged into Water Reporter, in the top middle search box, search for “Penn State Extension.” You can also click this link once you are logged into Water Reporter to view the group page and join the group. From the Penn State Extension page, click “Join Group” button right under the group name. You only need to click this once (there will not be a confirmation notification). 

3. How do you find FISH in the Water Reporter App?

You will need to join “Penn State Extension” in Water Reporter. You will also need to visit the FISH Protocol website and fill out the survey to let Penn State Extension staff know that you want to be added to FISH. 

4. Is the app specific to sites in Pennsylvania? Can I use Water Reporter and FISH in other states?

The app is not limited to sites in Pennsylvania. Water Reporter and FISH can be used in any state.  

5. If I am using this in a different state, would I still join the Penn State Extension group, or would I join a different group?

To use FISH you have to join the Penn State extension group, regardless of your location. You can also explore and join other groups in Water Reporter. 

6. Do I have to be involved in a stream restoration project to make a report?

You do not have to be involved in a stream restoration project to make a report. We encourage you to capture “before” observations if a restoration project is planned or even just an idea you are tossing around.

Sample Collection

7. What kind of stream should be reported?

Any stream in any location may be reported and monitored using FISH on Water Reporter. FISH is neither limited to undisturbed streams nor streams with restoration projects. You may report any stream that you want. FISH was designed for monitoring locations where a restoration project has taken place (tree planting, live staking, stream restoration, livestock exclusion fencing, etc.), but it can also capture “before” observations if a restoration project is planned. Choose a monitoring site where you can see positive change over time. It is not designed for rivers or larger bodies of water.

8. What is my sampling station?

Fill out the survey on the FISH Protocol website to let Penn State Extension staff know where you want to set up a sampling station. This can be anywhere you are interested in making repeat monitoring reports. Please provide a unique name for your monitoring station that includes the name of the stream (if known) and another point of reference such as an intersecting road, public park or landmark, or similar distinguishing feature.

9. Do we count the snags that are in the water or on land?

A snag is a standing dead tree. Count any trees that are dead but still upright/off the ground. Don’t count trees that are lying on the ground or in the stream.

10. What does snags 9 inches across mean? Does it mean DBH (diameter at breast height) or just general width?

When looking for snags greater than or less than 9 inches across, you are looking at the general width of the snag. The main purpose is to differentiate between large versus small snags and you don’t need to be exact.

11. How frequently should the stream be monitored?

A sample of data at the stream should be collected at least once a year. We recommend taking a sample in different seasons, for example once in the spring and once in the fall each year. It works best if you commit to visiting and monitoring your site several times over a few years. It is not intended for single use. You will see trend lines after 3-5 samples. FISH participants are asked to report observations for at least three years but are encouraged to monitor for up to ten years or more.

12. Do I need to take several samples of the same stream to see benefits/successes of a conservation or restoration practice?  

A few samples will need to be collected over a few years in order to see the results of a conservation or restoration practice. It is not intended for single use. You will see trend lines after 3-5 samples.

13. My stream has different stream bottom conditions in different spots. How do I report this?

Try your best to make an average assessment across the stream section. Don’t focus on only the best or worst spots.

14. Do I need a license to look for macroinvertebrates?

FISH asks you to observe the macroinvertebrates you find in the water, under rocks, etc. You do not need a license to just observe.  A license is needed if you collect or move macroinvertebrates.

15. Does it matter when you measure water clarity? Do you need to wait after an intense rainfall to measure water clarity?

Make sure water levels are safe before heading out to monitor. You can check water clarity any time you monitor your station. Always record the current weather conditions and previous rain events in your FISH report as this helps to understand any dramatic changes in sample observations. 

16. Any recommendations for where to purchase transparency tubes or how to make one?

These tubes are available from several types of retailers, including forestry supply companies, educational tools dealers, and scientific suppliers. When searching online, transparency tubes may sometimes be called turbidity tubes. 

Here is a resource with instructions for constructing your own transparency tube.

For information on using and understanding your transparency tube, visit this link.