by: eric reutebuch
The Earth System Science Center in Huntsville hosted AWW water quality workshops in September.
Click photo above for more info
Alabama Water Watch continues its evolution
by: eric reutebuch
As a friend of AWW, you probably already know that hundreds of citizen monitors volunteer hundreds of hours each year in stewardship of streams, rivers, lakes, bays and bayous statewide (you may BE one of those monitors!). Volunteers that have been trained and certified in water quality monitoring (water chemistry, bacteriological, stream biomonitoring) have tested over 2,200 sites on 800+ waterbodies over the past two decades, and achieved waterbody upgrades, resolution of countless water pollution problems, and education of thousands of youth and adults in aquatic ecology, water quality and watershed stewardship. What would happen if AWW were to cease?
Continue reading “Alabama Water Watch continues its evolution”
AWW Data Makes Swimming at Your Favorite Water Hole Safer
by: eric reutebuch
Want to keep yourself and your loved ones from getting sick from exposure to contaminated water while recreating? Well, now, there’s an app for that! It’s called the SWIM Guide. Here’s a description of the Swim Guide and how it came to be, source: www.theswimguide.org
“Swim Guide is built and powered by Waterkeepers to connect you to beaches and swimming holes everywhere.
- Discover a wide variety of beaches, ranging from city parks to remote lakes ideal for camping
- Identify at a glance which beaches are clean for swimming (Green) and which have water quality problems (Red)
- Get walking, driving, or transit directions to the beach of your choice
- Bookmark beaches for easy access
- Share your love for the best swimming holes on social media
- Help protect your waterway by reporting pollution or environmental concerns
Continue reading “AWW Data Makes Swimming at Your Favorite Water Hole Safer”
AWW Program Updates and Important Announcements Shared During the 2013 Annual Meeting
On May 10th, the 2013 AWW Annual Get-Together took place in Auburn, AL at the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve. The evening began with a lovely Social Hour during which old friends had a chance to catch up, and folks had a chance to start new water watch friendships. Jennifer Lolley, Preserve Administrator, gave a presentation and tour to introduce attendees to the beautiful Preserve.
Alabama Water Watch Association Updates by Mike Kensler, President of the AWWA Board
The AWWA Board of Directors is small, but dedicated. One high priority of the Board is to broaden, deepen, and strengthen the Board by adding expertise and capacity – for example, adding legal, accounting, and fundraising capacities of the board while retaining representation from monitors and other citizen supporters of Water Watch.
And the Winners Are…
The following awards were presented to AWW Groups and Monitors at the 2013 AWW Get-Together on Friday, May 10th, 2013:
2013 River Basin Award: Chattahoochee Basin
AU Hosts Water Policy Symposium
by: eric reutebuch
Acknowledging the crucial role water plays in sustaining Alabamians and supporting future development, Governor Bentley established a task force in 2012, known as the Alabama Water Agencies Working Group (AWAWG), charged with developing policy options for a comprehensive water management plan for the State. This would be the FIRST such plan developed for the wise management of Alabama’s waters. The AWAWG consists of representatives from five key agencies in Alabama that deal with the management of water and water resources, including the:
- Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs – Office of Water Resources,
- Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries,
- Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources,
- Alabama Department of Environmental Management, and,
- Geological Survey of Alabama.
Alabama 4-H Dives into Clean Water
Most of us feel it is also our responsibility to instill an appreciation and respect for the environment in the children and youth of our communities. This is accomplished first by setting a good example for them, and also by providing them with opportunities to gain knowledge and an understanding of the way the natural world works.
ADEM Releases Final 2012 303(d) List
by: eric reutebuch
Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act (CWA) requires that states assess surface waters and compile a list of those that have become polluted to the point that they no longer support their Use Classification (e.g., Fish & Wildlife, Public Water Supply, Swimming & Whole-body Contact, etc.). This list of impaired waters is known as the 303(d) List.
The 303(d) List must be submitted by the states to the U.S. EPA on April 1 of every even-numbered year. The 303(d) List contains details for each impaired waterbody, including the waterbody name, type of waterbody, locational information, the Use Classification of the waterbody, the cause(s) and source(s) of impairment, the area of impairment, the year that the waterbody was first listed, and the year that a draft TMDL is scheduled to be completed for that waterbody. Continue reading “ADEM Releases Final 2012 303(d) List”
COMMUNITY COLUMN: Monitoring our lake water
by: eric reutebuch
The mission of HOBO (Home Owners Boat Owners) is to preserve, protect and improve the quality of life in and around Lake Mitchell.
One way we do this is through water monitoring.
CLICK HERE FOR THE COMPLETE ARTICLE
(SOURCE: The Clanton Advertiser)