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Empowering Volunteers: Unlocking Water Quality Data for Environmental Action

This presentation at the National Water Monitoring Conference explores how volunteer water quality data can be effectively utilized as a valuable information source, showcasing the Colorado River Watch Network's success in engaging dedicated volunteers and producing meaningful data through the Water Quality Index. By discussing the monthly reporting based on key parameters and the rating system for data evaluation, the session highlights the importance of volunteers' efforts in complementing professional work and achieving community awareness and support for environmental conservation. Join us to learn about the impact of volunteer contributions on water quality assessment and how it influences public perception and engagement with water conservation efforts.

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Empowering Volunteers: Unlocking Water Quality Data for Environmental Action

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  1. Creative Outreach: Solving the Conundrum of Using Volunteer Water Quality Data as a Meaningful Source of Information Amanda Ross Colorado River Watch Network Lower Colorado River Authority National Water Monitoring Conference San Jose, CA May 7-11, 2006

  2. Lower Colorado River Authority Community Services Energy Water

  3. Lower Colorado River Watershed

  4. Colorado River Watch Network Colorado River Watch Network

  5. Volunteer Data Conundrum Dedicated Volunteers invest motivates Time and Effort ? Water Quality Index produce Quality Data use

  6. Water Quality Index • Collected and reported monthly • Based on 6 water quality parameters • Best professional judgment • Every other month relies solely on volunteer data

  7. Excellent Rating • Dissolved oxygen percent saturation 90% or greater • Temperature and TDS do not exceed stream standard • Nutrient concentrations: less than 0.1 mg/L in lakes less than 1.0 mg/L in rivers • Bacteria level below 394 cfu/100mL

  8. Good Rating • Most (4 of the 6) of the parameters are within optimal ranges • Bacteria levels must be within acceptable standards

  9. Fair Rating • Bacteria exceeds standards and • 3 other parameters are outside optimal ranges

  10. Poor Rating • At least 4 of 6 parameters are outside acceptable limits-elevated bacteria • Don’t get in the water

  11. Water Quality Index In The News Marble Falls Wharton Smithville

  12. Success-Volunteer Perspective • Volunteer data contributes to the water quality rating • Odd months index relies solely on volunteer data • Volunteers are seen as an extension of professionals

  13. Success-Professional Perspective • Published in almost every newspaper in the basin • Data utilized for public information • Public supports data collection

  14. Overall Success The general public gains: • awareness • knowledge • respect for the environment

  15. Questions ? Amanda Ross Lower Colorado River Authority amanda.ross@lcra.org

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