RiverWatchers is a citizen volunteer monitoring program for the Ohio River and selected tributaries. RiverWatchers was started as a pilot project in 1992 by the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO). RiverWatchers participants commit to monitoring their site at least five times each year and submitting that data to ORSANCO. For teachers, students and members of the public, the program offers a unique opportunity to practice “real world” science. RiverWatchers provides equipment necessary to take action in the community and help improve water quality in the Ohio River. The next training session in Cincinnati, Ohio is currently scheduled for August 8, 2008. All participants receive a field guide with general information and instructions for conducting the testing as well as a HACH Stream Survey kit, with which they can monitor eight parameters, including:
- pH
- water temperature change
- dissolved oxygen
- biochemical oxygen demand
- total phosphates
- nitrates
- turbidity
- E. coli bacteria
Applications for this program can be downloaded at: http://www.orsanco.org/riverwatchers/documents/RiverWatcher%20Application.pdf
Posted by: Attorney Sanders
Categories:
Clean Water Act
Drinking Water
ORSANCO