Free Alabama Water Watch Workshop Saturday, August 29

Join us for a FREE citizens' water quality monitoring class Saturday, August 29th, 2009 at the city of Huntsville Public Services Building at 320 Fountain Circle near Big Spring Park. You'll learn all about water resources and how to determine water quality using simple chemical and bacteriological tests. Dr. Bill Deutsch, known around the world for his clean water advocacy, especially in 3rd world countries, will be the primary instructor.

There is no charge for the class but preregistration is required. Register online at www.alabamawaterwatch.org or contact Rita at 1-888-844-4785 toll free, or call Susan Weber at 427-5116.

Be prepared to get your feet wet up to the knees and bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. Snacks and water will be provided. You're encouraged to bring a sack lunch.

The Alabama Water Watch program (AWW) fosters the development of citizen volunteers, water quality monitoring of Alabama's lakes, streams and rivers. AWW’s mission is to improve both water quality and policy through citizen monitoring and action. One of it’s goals is to have at least one citizen monitoring every steam and lake in the state.

AWW is coordinated from the Auburn University Fisheries Department with primary funding from ADEM and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Since the program began in 1992, about 250 citizen groups have participated and have cumulatively sampled more than 1,880 sites on 700 water bodies. For many streams in Alabama, citizen data is the primary or only source of water quality information.

After completing the class, participants will be certified through Alabama Water Watch to submit monthly and quarterly monitoring results that will available for all to see on the Alabama Water Watch website. This data is sent to AWW at Auburn University for quality assurance, then entered into databases that are shared with ADEM and EPA. Monitoring groups frequently use the information to propose water quality solutions to responsible agencies, elected officials, citizens' groups and developers.

See you there!