Freshwater science is inherently interdisciplinary and quantitative analytical chemistry is being used in more diverse research therein. Analytical chemistry is a crucial tool in such studies, transforming environmental samples into data that inform waterbody management and fuel innovative research. However, the effective use of analytical data requires comprehensive and transparent reporting of quality assurance and control (QA/QC) practices and information, which has been lacking in recent literature. This poster will provide a brief overview of QA/QC theory and methodologies, aiming to guide interdisciplinary researchers who may lack formal analytical lab training. But our main focus will be on eight key recommendations for clear and effective QA/QC reporting in aquatic science papers and reports. These reflections were created based on our shared experiences as mentor and mentee; we therefore kept such training-based collaborations foremost in mind. We also conclude by highlighting recent examples of strong QA/QC reporting in water science and discussing five key reasons why QA/QC transparency is vital for the broader aquatic science community. The implications of these ideas for students, mentors, data managers, and journal editors are specifically discussed in the context of interdisciplinary aquatic research. Ultimately, enhancing QA/QC reporting will increase the impact, relevance, and durability of scientific data, thereby strengthening the core goals of scientific publishing. This poster will be based on a perspective paper recently accepted by Water Research, as part of their “Making Waves” series.