Programs
Lake Watch has made a commitment to the future of Lake Martin and the lake community by developing a water quality monitoring program in partnership with:
Chemical testing - Volunteers conduct monthly monitoring at a dozen sites on the lake using chemical test kits. Parameters tested are dissolved oxygen, pH, alkalinity, hardness, turbidity, and temperature. Test results are sent to Auburn University for analysis, and the data is shared with ADEM for use in state wide policy decisions and reports to EPA.
Biological testing - Lake Watch's Living Streams program offers children and adults a unique look into the world of aquatic organisms through biological assessment of the benthic macroinvertebrate population in area streams. This water quality assessment program is provided without charge to schools, teachers, scout groups, Camp ASCCA, and other community agencies.
Bacteriological testing - Selected sites around the lake are tested for E. coli contamination. Lake Watch also responds to citizens requests for bacteriological testing as a community service.
Drinking Water - Monitors the safety and quality of drinking water in local communities.
Public Health - Conducts research into the impact of environmental factors on public health.
Watershed Task Force - Lake Watch is working to develop a Tallapoosa Watershed Task Force to deal with non-point source pollution problems that stem from a variety of man-made activities, including population growth, industrialization, intensive agricultural and forestry production, recreation, and development of shoreline properties.
