Wakulla Springs Observes National Water Monitoring Day

Wakulla Springs - Department of Environmental Protection Secretary David B. Struhs joined first graders from Tallahassee’s Kate Sullivan Elementary School and Florida Park Service biologists from around the state to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Clean Water Act.

National Water Monitoring Day marks the 30th anniversary of the Clean Water Act, a milestone in protecting water resources. The main purpose of National Water Monitoring Day is to increase awareness of local water quality issues. Volunteers across the country collect water samples from streams, lakes, springs, rivers and coastal waters in their areas and conduct tests for pH and dissolved oxygen levels, clarity, and temperature. Test results are reported on the Year of Clean Water website, www.yearofcleanwater.com. Data collected will help in drafting summary comparisons reflecting changes in water quality over the last thirty years. 

"It’s great to see so many biologists here," said Struhs, "because I know you have a keen understanding of the significance of the Clean Water Act and what it means to the nation’s water quality. At the same time, I hope I'm looking at many of our future scientists who will continue to protect our rivers and lakes for generations to come."

This national monitoring effort is coordinated by America’s Clean Water Foundation, in cooperation with other environmental groups and government agencies across the country. 

"One of the important lessons learned from the past 30 years is the need for grassroots participation in caring for the natural resources that benefit us locally," said Struhs. "Government efforts alone are not enough. What each of us does on a daily basis affects our water quality." 

For more details, visit www.acwf.org  and www.tmdls.net  for related information.

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