WEST TRENTON, N.J., April 18, 2001 — The Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) invited the public to participate in Water Snapshot 2001, April 20-29.
"This popular, water quality sampling event takes a `snapshot' of the health of Delaware River Basin waterways for 10 days around Earth Day, April 22," DRBC Executive Director Carol R. Collier said. "We hope Water Snapshot will not only create a heightened awareness about our watersheds and the need for stewardship, but also provide much-deserved recognition to those volunteers who participate in water quality monitoring programs throughout the year."
Snapshot is an opportunity for the young and old, experienced and first- timers, to collect water quality data. Some participants conduct a visual assessment while others use simple test kits or sophisticated instruments. The data are recorded on sheets provided to participants and forwarded to the DRBC, where the information will be posted on the commission's web site at www.drbc.net.
"Snapshot results are compiled without regard to the precision of the testing equipment or the expertise of the data collector, so they are not intended to reflect exact science," Collier said. "These results, however, certainly demonstrate the public's desire to learn more about the quality of the basin's waters.
"Thanks to donations from the William Penn Foundation and the DRBC, I am pleased to again announce the availability of a limited number of free, simple test kits to interested schools and organizations on a first-come, first- served basis," Collier added. Those interested in a free kit should contact the DRBC by email ([email protected]) or by phone (609-883-9500, ext. 260).
Several training opportunities are still available to interested Snapshot participants, thanks to the efforts of the Delaware Riverkeeper Network, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), and Delaware Stream Watch. Details are available on the DRBC web site at www.drbc.net.
The DRBC web site also features useful information for Water Snapshot volunteers, including the downloadable data sheet, explanations of water quality terminology, links to watershed organizations, maps, and updated news. Persons unable to access the Internet may call the DRBC at 609-883-9500, ext. 260 for information.
In addition to the DRBC, the Snapshot steering committee includes representatives from the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Delaware Estuary Program, Delaware Riverkeeper Network, National Park Service, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, New York Department of Environmental Conservation, Pennsylvania DCNR, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania Environmental Council, Pocono Environmental Education Center, Upper Delaware Council, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Geological Survey.
SOURCE: Delaware River Basin Commission
