Long-Term In Situ Water Quality Monitoring Data from Devereux Slough, Coal Oil Point Reserve (2017–2026)

This dataset contains in situ water quality measurements collected at four long-term monitoring sites within Devereux Slough at Coal Oil Point Reserve, Santa Barbara, California. Measurements were taken approximately three hours after sunrise using a YSI Pro2030 handheld meterm as well as pH meter. Parameters include temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and percent saturation. Surface and bottom readings are provided for all sites except where noted, along with site notes documenting turbidity, algal mats, or other unusual conditions observed during sampling. Sampling occurs at four established locations: MO1, PIER, CUL1, and VBR1. MO1 is a shallow wading site where bottom and surface readings are paired with a surface pH measurement. PIER is a fixed-depth vertical profile site with readings taken at 10, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 cm below the bridge; water clarity is recorded using a Secchi disk, and pH is not collected at this location. CUL1 and VBR1 are bridge sites where surface and bottom values are measured, and any difficult or inaccessible bottom conditions are noted. All measurements are taken without removing water, organisms, or sediments. Access is restricted to existing trails, bridges, and shallow wading zones to minimize disturbance. After sampling, equipment is rinsed, boots are cleaned, and data are transferred to the designated Google Sheet for quality control and archiving. This dataset provides a continuous and standardized record of water quality conditions across multiple zones of the slough and is intended to support long-term ecological monitoring, student research, and environmental management at Coal Oil Point Reserve.