Volunteer monitors, federal, state, Tribal and local monitoring staff, and members of the public are invited to participate in National Water Monitoring Day to honor the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Clean Water Act on October 18, 2002.
One of a series of events celebrating 2002 as the Year of Clean Water, National Water Monitoring Day is designed to educate the public about water quality issues and the role of monitoring and volunteers; encourage and strengthen partnerships between volunteer monitors and federal, state, Tribal, and local water monitoring agencies; take a snapshot of water quality 30 years after the passage of the Clean Water Act; and acknowledge the accomplishments of the Act and identify work that still needs to be done. Planning for National Water Monitoring Day is being spearheaded by America's Clean Water Foundation (ACWF) and a steering committee composed of representatives from federal and state agencies and volunteer monitoring organizations.
As currently envisioned, volunteer and government monitors will take to the waters on or about October18th, 2002 to sample a core set of water quality parameters, as well as those they ordinarily monitor. Side by side monitoring between volunteers and professionals, as well as many additional types of collaboration, will be strongly encouraged. All protocols, equipment, and monitoring methods will be welcome. Even classrooms and citizens who've never tested their water can participate with an inexpensive Year of Clean Water kit. Participants will need to pre-register their location before September 30 on the Year of Clean Water website, and they will also enter their core parameter data online. The website will also accept digital photos and be linked to a wide number of related websites. Data and photos will be available almost immediately on the website. Within a year of the event, ACWF will issue a report summarizing the event and its findings, and celebrating the role and accomplishments of the participants. National Water Monitoring Day will also feature water festivals, educational events, and widespread press coverage.
For more information on National Water Monitoring Day, and to pre-register your monitoring site or order a kit, visit www.yearofcleanwater.org this spring.
This page created and maintained by Chehalis River Council
Send comments or questions to the: Chehalis River Council