Whatcom CD has partnered with local dairy farmers to better understand the effects of best management practices on field runoff and water quality. Edge of Field monitoring stations detect when runoff events occur and measure runoff volumes and durations. Monitoring stations also automatically collect water quality samples for lab analysis of sediment, bacteria, and nutrients. Rainfall and soil moisture are also recorded at each study site to better understand how field conditions relate to runoff risk. The study is funded through the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) and runs for 7 years.

​Currently: 4 study sites in Whatcom County; Project duration: 2016 - 2024

​For more information, visit the NRCS Edge of Field Monitoring website.