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October 31, 2004

More on World Water Monitoring Day

I wrote to the WWMD folks about the issues I encountered when trying to use the kit to do some testing of the local laguna. I got a really nice reply back from Ed Moyer, the World Water Monitoring Day Coordinator for America's Clean Water Foundation, on October 13. He replied that there was a problem with the form on the web site, and that they've fixed that up (I confirmed this and was able to enter my initial set of data).

Here's part of his response also about the data being collected (I've a link where relevant):

You are correct that there are many quality monitoring efforts that have been underway for many years. World Water Monitoring Day is an attempt to bring a national and international focus to water monitoring and attempt to educate folks who have never been associated with a group that does more sophisticated monitoring. It is our hope that WWMD will pique their interest and they will seek out more information.

As such we do offer other links of interest under our "Resources" tab and also link to many of our partners, such as EPA and USGS. These sites do offer more in-depth opportunities.

With the number of novice volunteers we encourage and knowing that one testing sample in the year really isn't sufficient, we recognize that WWMD data should never be accepted as "hard science". Yet, as a growing opportunity to increase awareness about water monitoring throughout the world, we are proud of what we have accomplished since 2002.

As of now 1553 sites have already been registered and we have another 1900 sites expected to be reported in batch form after October 18. As of today, we have 40 nations participating and sites registered in all 50 states.

Thanks to Ed for the detailed response!

I'm hoping to learn more about some of the more in-depth local water monitoring efforts in the future. If you're involved with a group near you, I'd love to hear more about what you do!

Posted by terrie at October 31, 2004 07:31 AM

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