Citizen science is a powerful force for scientific enquiry, allowing volunteers to collect data over broader spatial and temporal scales than could be achieved using traditional methods. It has, however, suffered from a lack of confidence in the data due to a range of both real and perceived issues, resulting in a lack of data uptake by researchers and policy makers. This in turn can threaten the very existence of citizen science programs that are dependent on external funding.
Upper Murrumbidgee Waterwatch (Waterwatch) is a community engagement program established in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) region in 1995 as part of the national Waterwatch program. At its core is a citizen science component where volunteers are provided with kits and training in order to collect monthly water quality data at dedicated sites. This currently produces over 2000 water quality surveys annually from 220 sites across the 11,500 km2 catchment.
In 2013 Waterwatch lost its core funding and was forced to review its purpose, methods and processes in order to increase data confidence and uptake by potential funders. We describe the experience of the Waterwatch program, and how it shifted aspects of its citizen science model to successfully adapt to changes in funding requirements. We describe the journey to improve data control and assurance processes and take the program from being an underutilised resource on the fringe to an integral source of catchment health information in the ACT region.
Finally, we offer perspectives for those considering adapting models to achieve the best out of their citizen science programs. These include 'fit for purpose' design to produce robust data by the general public and clearly distinguishing between the citizen science objectives and other aspects of the program to ensure appropriate management and measures of success.