Community Science Institute
Community science projects focus on local issues and local government. They prioritize observational monitoring and the use of data for science-based management of local resources over hypothesis testing and publication in scientific journals. We adhere to the scientific method, and projects may contribute to new scientific knowledge.
However, creating new knowledge is secondary to gathering data within a known scientific framework and using results to manage local resources sustainably.
Empowering citizens to understand, protect and manage local water resources.
The Community Science Institute (CSI) is a not-for-profit, 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization whose mission is to empower local people to understand their environment and manage their resources sustainably, particularly water.
We recruit, train and support groups of volunteers to partner with our state-certified water quality testing lab and monitor streams and lakes over the long term.
By participating directly in the scientific process of collecting management-quality data, volunteers become knowledgeable stewards of their watersheds.
Data produced by our monitoring partnerships with local volunteers fills gaps left by federal, state and academic programs. Monitoring results, available free of charge, help position local governments to manage water resources and distribute costs equitably among stakeholders.
With generous financial support from county and municipal governments and local foundations in Tompkins County, New York, CSI has partnered with seven groups of volunteers to collect over 25,000 pieces of certified water quality data on Cayuga Lake and its tributary streams since 2003.
CSI has offered baseline testing of private drinking water wells since 2009. Baseline testing establishes the levels of 20 “signature chemicals” that are most likely to change in the event of contamination from hydraulic fracturing fluids and shale gas waste.
CSI’s Water Quality Database. The purpose of the CSI database is to make scientifically credible water quality monitoring data available for use by the general public, regulators and policy makers.
Open Database

Sampling water sources in the Finger Lakes Region since 2003.

Conducting baseline testing of private drinking water wells in New York.

CSI database makes scientifically credible water quality monitoring data available for use by the general public, regulators and policy makers.

Training community members to monitor local water resources.
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6:00PM - 7:30PM at Chenango County Cooperative Extension Office, 99 North Broad Street Norwich NY
“Red Flag” Stream Monitoring – Info Session
CSI will be recruiting and training several groups of volunteers in the Upper Susquehanna River Watershed to find out if hydrofracking impacts local streams. Water monitoring by volunteer groups in partnership with the certified laboratory is a low-cost and effective strategy for tracking water quality. With support from the CSI lab, volunteers will perform regular “red flag” field tests on stream samples to assess whether or not contamination occurs from shale gas operations. If a “red flag” is found, the CSI lab will perform further testing.
Come and find out how CSI’s stream monitoring program works and how to get involved!
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6:00PM - 7:30PM at Schulyer County Human Services Complex - Room 120, 323 Owego Street Montour Falls NY
“Red Flag” Stream Monitoring – Info Session
CSI will be recruiting and training several groups of volunteers in the Upper Susquehanna River Watershed to find out if hydrofracking impacts local streams. Water monitoring by volunteer groups in partnership with the certified laboratory is a low-cost and effective strategy for tracking water quality. With support from the CSI lab, volunteers will perform regular “red flag” field tests on stream samples to assess whether or not contamination occurs from shale gas operations. If a “red flag” is found, the CSI lab will perform further testing.
Come and find out how CSI’s stream monitoring program works and how to get involved!
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9:00AM at Poplar Ridge Road at Moonshine Road, Aurora, NY
BMI Sampling – Direct Streams
First BMI sampling event of the season! Bring your boots!
Contact adriannalouise@gmail.com for more information or directions
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10:00AM at 1001 Elmira Road, Ithaca
BMI Sampling – Enfield Creek
Join the Cayuga Inlet volunteers for their first BMI sampling event of the season in Enfield Creek!
We’ll meet at the Rt. 13 bridge where 34/96 split towards Newfield/Spencer. There is a small parking lot on the south side of the road. Contact adriannalouise@gmail.com for more information or directions. Bring your boots!
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2:00PM - 5:00PM at Tioga County Office Building, Hubbard Auditorium, 56 Main Street, Owego NY
“Red Flag” Monitoring Training Workshop #1
This is the first in a series of three workshops for new volunteers in the Southern Tier who will be doing “red flag” stream monitoring. The first workshop will cover: local land uses, risks of water contamination, current information about locations of gas activity, practicing the field tests with test kits, and beginning to choose monitoring sites.
RSVPs are required for this workshop. Email Becky Bowen, Outreach Coordinator at becky@communityscience.org or call 607-257-6606 to RSVP.