The Colorado River Watch Network is the first and largest regional volunteer network of water quality monitors in Texas. The success of the program is due in large part to the uncommon commitment of the volunteers.
Though CRWN only requires a two-year commitment to monthly monitoring, many volunteer monitors have been conducting sampling events for five to 10 years. Some monitors visit their sites on a weekly basis, often driving 50 miles to and from their chosen location.
Training
Colorado River Watch Network monitors are well-trained through an eight-hour training process provided by LCRA. Instructors show volunteers how to use the testing equipment, followed by a trip to the river, where monitors practice their new skills. Finally, volunteers visit their designated testing site along with an instructor to test for several water quality indicators.
About 100 of the 300 volunteers in the river watch network are certified. Adult citizens and teachers make up the majority of the certified monitors. The remainder is made up of students, who are supervised by certified monitors.
A field kit, containing $400 of testing equipment, is loaned to a monitoring group for the duration of their active participation. As long as the group continues to regularly provide data, monitoring supplies are provided.
Annual events
Each year, CRWN hosts a stewardship workshop at which certified volunteers have an opportunity to network with other monitors and present information about their sites and concerns. Biologists, botanists, and other professionals from LCRA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), City of Austin, Texas Watch, Texas Parks and Wildlife and other agencies provide presentations and offer hands-on field experience. Topics covered have included identifying macroinvertebrates, fish, aquatic and riparian vegetation, stream assessments, flow measurements, xeriscaping, and other relevant water quality education.
Additionally, during the school year, staff may support teachers through student training assistance, macroinvertebrate sampling demonstrations, award ceremonies or certificates of achievement.
Other opportunities for participation are offered each year. Basinwide data collection for such widely recognized events as Earth Day, World Monitoring Day, and the EPA sponsored Secchi Dip-in are also supported by CRWN.
