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A woman in a rain shell standing at the end of a foggy dock holding a phone

Getting started

Four steps from curious to involved.

Some people come here knowing exactly which lake they care about. Others want to see how Lake Pulse works first. Either way, start here.

Step 1

Find your lake.

Find your lake

Most U.S. lakes are already in the system. Search by name, claim your spot, and see what's already known — free, no card required.

The Lake Pulse mobile app showing a lake snapshot on a phone screen

On your phone

Download the free app, search 400,000+ lakes, and claim the spot you actually care about.

The Lake Pulse web sign-up screen with a Find Your Lake search and a QR code beside the account form

On the web

Prefer a bigger screen? Sign up on the Portal and start exploring right away.

Step 2

Now that you're in.

Your subscription level decides how much you can contribute. Start free, then upgrade only when the work asks for it.

Member

Free

A read-only view of your lake. See status, alerts, and what neighbors have shared. Great for staying informed.

Basic

$12/yr

Add field notes and photos of what you see. Comment on other people's observations and ask the community questions.

Plus

$365/yr

Unlock analytics, exports, and the full Portal. Plus, Lake Admin, and PRO subscribers can sync Toolbox results to the lake timeline.

Lake Admin

Application

Full access for the person steering the timeline for the whole lake. Apply, don't just buy — this role carries responsibility.

Step 3

If you upgrade, the Toolbox connects to your lake.

Plus, Lake Admin, and PRO subscribers can buy testing kits, sensors, and services in the Toolbox. Use the same email you signed up with, and every purchase is tethered to the lake and location you chose.

One email

Check out in the Toolbox with the exact email on your Lake Pulse account. No aliases, no work addresses.

Buy what you need

Lab kits, field tools, real-time sensors, drone surveys, data services, and bundles — all matched to your lake.

Results land on your timeline

Lab reports, buoy readings, and survey outputs show up in the Portal instead of getting lost in a PDF folder.

Step 4

Share Lake Pulse with your neighbors.

The platform only really works when more lake stakeholders are involved. A shared record belongs to everyone who cares about the water — not just the person who pays for it.

Homeowners

The people who live on the water, pay taxes on it, and vote on how to protect it.

Lake associations & HOAs

The groups that raise money, hire help, and speak for the lake as a whole.

Local officials

Mayors, selectboards, and agencies who can support restoration when the data is clear.

Businesses & visitors

Rental shops, marinas, summer residents, and anyone whose livelihood depends on a safe lake.

Visitors enjoying an afternoon at the lakeshore
Kids swimming off a sandy lake beach

Getting started

Two minutes to find your lake. No card, no commitment.

Find your lake