To help celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Clean Water Act and the Year of Clean Water, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Christie Whitman has announced the first National Water Monitoring Day, encouraging people to take part by monitoring their local water quality on Oct. 18.
The monitoring will help present a snapshot view of water quality in streams, lakes and coastal waters throughout the United States. Individuals and local water monitoring and watershed groups around the country will perform four key tests: dissolved oxygen, pH, water clarity and temperature.
Log on to www.yearofcleanwater.org to register a monitoring site, purchase a kit, or input sample data. Whitman will be monitoring water throughout the month with school children around the country. Today Whitman will kick off water monitoring activities at Lake St. Clair in Detroit with fourth graders.
Whitman said, "Most Americans would agree that the quality of our water has improved dramatically over the past quarter century, although there is still much to be done. We are not only celebrating but re-committing to the Clean Water Act's goals of fishable and swimmable waters. Americans can learn about watersheds and water pollution and celebrate the vitality of our national water resources by going out monitoring local waters."
EPA is working with America's Clean Water Foundation, federal agencies, states and local entities and citizens on events throughout the year. Ways to get involved include learning about local watershed organizations in your area; helping to organize a stream or beach cleanup; talking to schoolchildren about water pollution and what they can do to help. EPA has launched its own website for the 30th Anniversary of the Clean Water Act. For information, log on to: http://www.epa.gov/water/yearofcleanwater.
Source: EPA
