IDAH2O Master Water Stewards

05/12/2026

Update from Lake Cascade.

Citizen Scientist Bloomwatch: May 3 to 10th
The data continues to reflect seasonally low biological activity and fresh cool water. No significant cyanobacteria signal at any site. We are field sampling tomorrow (Tuesday) and will provide an update.

🛰️ EPA CyAN Satellite Imagery: Continues looking good! Currently, satellite imagery shows NO significant detectable cyanobacteria. Near-shore response: mixed land/water pixels may be reading land vegetation and/or shallow water bottom foliage. It is not possible to discount reported concentration entirely, as a response may be valid due to wind action on a bloom, resulting in shoreline accumulation requiring further investigation.

💧 Water‑Quality Indicators :
Lake Elevation: 4827 ft; 96% full ➡ (full pool is 4828')
Dam Discharge: ~2,050 cfs ⬇️

Secchi Depth (water clarity): 9.5 - >15+ ft ➡
Water Temp: ~ 56°F ⬆
Dissolved Oxygen: 8.9 mg/ ⬇️

More detailed data at:
https://citsci.org/projects/lake-cascade-idaho/

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This information is presented from the viewpoint of a citizen scientist. Images and information contained herein are presented for general educational and informational purposes to increase overall awareness. The information should not be considered exhaustive. The satellite-estimated abundance data are not intended to be used as a numeric target for advising public health recommendations. They are not comparable to the state trigger levels for posting advisories. It is important to note that satellite data does not measure or predict cyanotoxin concentrations.

This information is not intended to be regulatory, health, or expert advice or services, and should not be used as a substitute for consultation with qualified professionals.

04/27/2026

A sister city-sci stream monitoring program in Whitman County, WA!

We are recruiting volunteers to join the Confluence Crew community science water quality monitoring program! Our mission is to empower people in our community with the knowledge and tools necessary to protect our local water resources and contribute to participatory research. Training will take place in May. Learn more and sign up at PalouseCD.org/Confluence-Crew.

This program is made possible with funding from the Washington State Department of Ecology.

03/31/2026

02/10/2026

The Western Water Network is working to leverage educational and research among the 13 western states’ Land Grant universities, Water Resources graduate programs, Extension Services, and Water Resources Research Institutes.

A special issue of Agricultural Water Management offers fourteen open access articles focused on solutions that can sustain agriculture while reducing its water consumption.

The contributions address alternative crop choices to reduce water needs, use of cover crops for soil moisture conservation, precision irrigation and managed deficit irrigation, and managed aquifer recharge. Several contributions also address the interplay of irrigation technology, crop choice, and policy frameworks that shape farmer decisions.

This map (credit: Paige Ramsey) shows the location of research discussed in the article.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378377425007115

https://www.sciencedirect.com/special-issue/10ZSFW1L6LZ

12/24/2025

An international team of experts, co-led by NCCOS, published a new review examining the limited number of marine control strategies that have been tested in mesocosms or in field trials. The review describes several reasons why progress has lagged behind efforts focused on freshwater systems, and provides a roadmap to help nations develop and explore a range of viable marine HAB control approaches to better protect public health, support coastal economies, and sustain marine ecosystems worldwide.
Learn more:
https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/review-highlights-unmet-need-for-marine-hab-control-solutions/

08/20/2025

About the interconnected Spokane River and aquifer.

08/13/2025

U-Idaho Extension has a newly hired irrigation specialist. 😌💯

Welcome to Emily Bedwell, new irrigation technology specialist based at the U of I Kimberly Research and Extension Center! Emily has a Ph.D. in crop and soil sciences with an emphasis on precision agriculture from the University of Georgia, a master’s in wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture and bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting. Her research focuses on improving irrigation management through soil moisture sensor technology, irrigation system efficiency evaluation, crop water use quantification, irrigation scheduling and deficit irrigation strategies. Her work supports growers and stakeholders by providing practical, science-based tools and recommendations to promote sustainable and efficient water use in western agriculture.

Emily can be reached at 208-423-4620 or [email protected].

Read more about Emily: https://uidaho.edu/news/news-articles/colleges/cals/2025/073025-irrigation-specialist.

07/30/2025

An interesting IDFG research study on the effects of electrofishing (for invasive trout study and removal) on aquatic macroinvertebrates.

https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/does-boat-electrofishing-harm-aquatic-insects?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwL3QdJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHjWD_dnrvMBSBfPZB2mCDK9SEFGiLJ3CgSCC1z0NUqoYxhQZ3cmq1PcqFUHU_aem_zypVL4fN3YXCLqx5_vmz6w

Check out this summary of a research project that one of our summer employees, Josh Clark conducted. Josh came up with the project and investigated the impact of boat electrofishing on macroinvertebrates, which is something that has not been widely studied.

07/10/2025