Why is Volunteer Monitoring Important?

"We don't have the manpower to keep a constant watch on all the bodies of water in the state. Alabama Water Watch citizen monitors are our eyes and ears."
Charles Horn, Chief
Water Division, ADEM

Several lake residents want to be personally involved with lake monitoring and protection, to determine lake quality near their homes or favorite swimming and fishing sites, and be a part of lake and watershed development decisions…they have a stake in their lake

Advantages of Local, Citizen-Based Water Monitoring
  • large number of sampling sites
  • frequent and consistent sampling
  • "eyes and ears" for lake changes and polluters
  • fast response time to detect and measure polluted runoff
  • local awareness and public outreach
  • neighbor-to-neighbor persuasion of polluters
  • important data supplements to agency and research studies
  • leads to science-based, citizen-involved action plans
Kowaliga Lighthouse

Several members of Lake Watch of Lake Martin and other interested citizens met with Alabama Water Watch staff for a "State of the Lake" report in September 1999.

This report was compiled by Alabama Water Watch program personnel
in partnership with Lake Watch of Lake Martin.