SITES provides an ecosystem research infrastructure that enables scientists to develop and test theories with the observed realities of ecosystems in specific localities and landscapes. SITES facilitates access to field stations where context for new research is provided by long-term, standardized and openly available monitoring data, comprehensive documentation, as well as engagement with local residents and stakeholders. The stations also have on-site expertise to assist in the design and execution of scientific investigations that can span spatial and temporal scales as well as disciplinary boundaries. These features of SITES support national and international researchers who want to pursue research questions about how ecosystems function in response to anthropogenic pressures, natural variability and management efforts to achieve specific goals. SITES is organized in thematic programs and where one is called SITES water.

SITES Water offers:
• Open access to hydrological, physical, chemical and biological time series data in lakes in streams
• Contextual background information and maps on the stream-lake catchments
• Physical access to the SITES Water infrastructure, e.g., boat and lake platform access, aquatic sampling equipment, handheld sensors, laboratory
• Technical support from SITES staff and established protocols to help support sampling design and implementation