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The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) joined Sudbrook Magnet Middle School on October 12 to test local waterways for World Wide Water Monitoring Day. Billy Evans, Joe Gay and Justin Young, inspectors from MDE’s field office in Annapolis, joined Kathi Russell and Don Mauldin from MDE’s Office of the Secretary at the school. The inspectors brought water samples collected from the Jones Falls for the students to test. Jennie Giesler brought in two of her seventh grade environmental science classes to take part in the tests and gather results.
MDE provided monitoring kits to gather data on four important measures of water quality – dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature and turbidity. The students then had the opportunity to upload their data to a special section of the MDE website to be added to data collected worldwide. Students can view the results of their work on line and compare their findings with other students. The effort also complements Maryland’s commitment to promoting environmental education as embodied in the Chesapeake Bay 2000 Agreement.
MDE utilizes a number of scientific methods, including real-time monitoring networks and sampling, to collect water quality data and evaluate it to assure that waterways are safe for drinking water, swimming, fishing, industrial and agricultural uses. Groups collecting data have until December 18 to report their findings online at: www.worldwatermonitoringday.org. All the data will be compiled and released in the annual World Water Monitoring Day summary reports, which will be available in early 2008.
In 2006, 3,900 sites were monitored in 39 countries, and the program is expected to grow in years to come. World Water Monitoring Day™ was started in 2002 by Roberta (Robbi) Savage, president and CEO of America’s Clean Water Foundation (ACWF). Due to increasing participation and expanding reach, in 2006 ACWF transferred the program to the Water Environment Federation (WEF) to provide a larger platform for program delivery. The WEF Board of Trustees formally adopted the program on July 27, 2006.
The International Water Association continues to be a partner in the coordination and promotion of World Water Monitoring Day™. In addition, WEF is in the process of forming a technical advisory committee with several partner organizations and agencies to provide input and support.
The primary goal of World Water Monitoring Day™ is to educate and engage citizens in the protection of water resources around the world. Many communities around the world are unaware of the condition of their water quality and the impact of their behaviors on the quality of their water resources. Conducting simple monitoring tests teaches participants about some of the most common indicators of water health and encourages further participation in more formal citizen monitoring efforts.
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