Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District is sponsoring a Hoosier Riverwatch Training Workshop June 28, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Winona Lake Park.
Clean, abundant water is a valuable resource for all Hoosiers. Whether as a source for drinking water, water for business and industry or for recreation, it is irreplaceable. Volunteers help monitor this resource.
This is an opportunity for anyone wanting to understand aspects of water quality or how to conduct and interpret water testing, according to Darci Zolman of the SWCD. Zolman will serve as instructor of the workshop.
Participants will learn how to physically analyze a sampling site, as well as assess water quality by testing for nitrates, phosphates, pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature and turbidity. Participants also learn how insects living in the water can be indicators of water quality.
The workshop provides general education in water quality issues and hands-on training to monitor the health of rivers and streams through physical, chemical and biological testing.
After completion of the training, volunteers can perform stream testing for a wide variety of possible pollutants. Data are submitted to a statewide volunteer monitoring database that is available to anyone. Trainees also are able to enter data in the statewide Hoosier Riverwatch database.
Currently there is data available on Moots Creek, Fredericks Ditch, Eagle Creek, Heeter Ditch, Deeds Creek, the Center Lake inlet and outlet, Tibbits Lake Creek, the North-South Road Ditch, Trimble Creek and the Tippecanoe River. Some of the data dates back to 1997 and hasn't been updated.
Trained participants can apply for Hoosier Riverwatch grants to obtain water testing equipment or borrow equipment from the Soil and Water Conservation District.
"The training is for anyone interested in learning about water quality and gaining hands-on experience in monitoring rivers and streams," said Lyn Crighton, Hoosier Riverwatch coordinator. "People interested in the environment, especially educators, are invited to attend.'
Attending the workshop does not require participation in the program. If a volunteer is accepted to receive equipment, they are expected to monitor four times a year for two years and submit quarterly reports, according to Jan Hosier, Hoosier Riverwatch volunteer coordinator.
Volunteer data are not considered legitimate for regulatory purposes.
"We're talking to the Indiana Department of Environmental management about using the data in terms of it being a red flag or screening device to see if there are other sites of concern," Hosier said.
Hoosier Riverwatch, sponsored by Purdue University and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, through its division of soil conservation, began in 1996. It is a statewide education program that focuses on local river and stream stewardship. To date, 3,800 people have participated in the program.
There is no charge for the workshop. Registration is required. Participants must be at least 18 years old.
For more Hoosier Riverwatch information about or to receive a registration form, contact the SWCD office at 267-7445, Ext. 3.
On the Net:
www.riverwatch.in.gov
