News

Water Watch is growing — in size and capabilities.

This week, Pamlico-Tar Riverkeeper Katey Zimmerman and Water Quality Specialist Taylor Seijo put together “Tier 2” Water Watch tests kits, which elevates Water Watching from the observational to quantitative.

“Each bag has color comparator cards which allow Water Watchers to do a rapid test for several water-quality parameters, a pipette and detailed instructions on how to interpret the results of each test,” Katey said. “Then we made QR codes to attach the handle of each tote bag, and when they scan the QR code, that’ll take them to a folder with the training video we made and extra online resources.”

The expansion of Water Watch has two purposes: to gather a wealth of water-quality information from waterways across the Neuse and Tar-Pamlico watersheds, and further engage Water Watchers interested in collecting more than observational data.

“We’ve got a lot of really great volunteers who want to do more,” Katey said. “And this is the perfect way to expand our own knowledge about our waterways.”

Water Watchers can pick up kits at Sound Rivers’ offices in Washington, New Bern and Raleigh on Friday, Nov. 20. On Dec. 4, the Riverkeeping team will be holding office hours to answer questions and provide in-person or virtual review of the Tier 2 training.

Like the work your Riverkeeping team is doing to build an army of Water Watchers monitoring your waterways? We love it! Donate today to support Water Watch!

Want to find out more about Water Watch? Visit the Water Watch page!