Posts

Posted on

2024 AWW Annual Meeting @ Kreher Preserve and Nature Center in Auburn, AL 

By: Sydney Zinner 

We were excited to host the 2024 AWW Annual Meeting at the beautiful Kreher Preserve and Nature Center in Auburn, AL! We gathered with Monitors, Trainers, Board Members, program partners, and new friends to celebrate the accomplishments of our AWWesome Volunteers throughout the last year. Read on for a recap of the day!

Group photo of 2024 attendees. Photo credit: Bree Minton 
Continue reading “2024 AWW Annual Meeting @ Kreher Preserve and Nature Center in Auburn, AL “
Posted on

What is Water Chemistry Monitoring?

Through Water Chemistry Monitoring, Volunteer Monitors test the physical and chemical characteristics of water to identify pollution sources and long-term trends in water quality. Six variables (listed below) are measured with a customized test kit and results can be compared with water quality standards that define conditions for healthy waterbodies.

Volunteers test turbidity. Photo credit: Mona Dominguez

  

Continue reading “What is Water Chemistry Monitoring?”
Posted on

What is Bacteriological Monitoring?

Through Bacteriological Monitoring, Volunteer Monitors detect levels of E. coli and other coliform bacteria in water as indicators of fecal contamination. Monitors are trained in bacteriological sampling (site selection, plating and incubating samples, and counting bacteria colonies) and water quality standards.  

Volunteers count bacteria colonies on R-CARDs during a training. Photo credit: Jera Dills
Continue reading “What is Bacteriological Monitoring?”
Posted on

Auburn Sustainability Students Conduct Stream Biomonitoring for Capstone Project 

by Sydney Zinner

In Fall 2023, AWW was approached by Dr. Miriam Wyman with the Auburn University Office of Sustainability to do a project with her Sustainability Capstone Students in Spring 2024. The AU Water Resources Center (WRC) offers Auburn faculty opportunities for various experiences with their students to connect them with water resources, however, this was the first request to do a semester-long project with a group of students.  

Capstone students were from various colleges at Auburn, including Patricia in Biosystems Engineering, Jaiden in Natural Resource Management, David in Building Science, Elizabeth in Horticulture, and Hart in Environmental Design.  

Continue reading “Auburn Sustainability Students Conduct Stream Biomonitoring for Capstone Project “
Posted on

What is Stream Biomonitoring?

by Sydney Zinner

What can macroinvertebrates tell us about water quality?

Alabama boasts a rich diversity of natural wonders, from lush forests to winding rivers. Among these treasures lies the tiny hidden world of macroinvertebrates beneath the surface of Alabama’s waters —a world teeming with life, often overlooked. What can these tiny critters tell us about water quality? 

Aquatic snail at Chewacla State Park in Auburn, AL. Photo credit: Sydney Zinner

If you are familiar with Alabama Water Watch, you are likely familiar with our logo, the caddisfly. Read on to learn about how our friend the caddisfly and other creek critters can tell the story of our waters. 

Continue reading “What is Stream Biomonitoring?”
Posted on

Oakmulgee Monitoring Training Recap

By Jera Dills

In early May, Mona, Sergio, and Jera, accompanied by Jonathan Kelly with Wild Alabama, drove up to the Oakmulgee National Forest to meet with a diverse group interested in becoming bacteria and water chemistry monitors! Each attendee offered an interesting perspective on their journey to wanting to become volunteer water monitors exemplifying how watershed stewardship is an all-encompassing effort.

The group wrapping up the workshop day. Photo credit: Mona Dominguez
Continue reading “Oakmulgee Monitoring Training Recap”