Volunteer water quality monitor, Timothy Ryan, tests water quality at Riverside Park in Bay City. |
LCRA is seeking volunteers to monitor water quality at Riverside Park in Bay City and Riverfront Park in Wharton.
Individuals who enjoy the outdoors and are concerned about maintaining the quality of the lower Colorado River and its tributaries should apply to be a trained volunteer water quality monitor for LCRA’s Colorado River Watch Network.
Monitors collect water quality data regularly, including water temperature, pH, oxygen level, and nutrient and bacteria content, and report the information to LCRA staff. Monitors who can commit to monthly monitoring for a minimum of two years receive training, equipment and materials to do the work. The information is used for a monthly water quality index report that ranks the health of the Colorado River.
Monitors also serve as early-warning messengers, pointing out potential problems to be addressed before they become serious. In addition, many River Watch participants have been active in their communities, hosting cleanups and conducting water-quality demonstrations at public events, as well as recruiting volunteers.
LCRA adopted the Colorado River Watch Network in 1992. The network has grown into a sophisticated system of more than 100 certified volunteer monitors at 100 sites along the Colorado River.
If you are interested in becoming a River Watch monitor, contact Robin Berry at 1-800-776-5272, Ext. 2416, or robin.berry@lcra.org. Read more about the Colorado River Watch Network online at LCRA’s Web site at http://www.lcra.org/water/quality/crwn/index.html.
