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RIVERWATCHERS
Ohio River Bridge

RiverWatchers is a citizen volunteer monitoring program for the Ohio River and selected tributaries. RiverWatchers was started as a pilot project in 1992 by the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO).

During the 2005-2006 school year, the program included 20 groups in six Ohio River Basin states. These groups include students and citizens who are concerned about water quality issues.

In April 2006, seven additional schools/organizations from New York state joined the RiverWatchers program. These groups will collect data for 2006-2007 from the Chautauqua watershed which drains into the upper-most areas of the Ohio River.

   

Since the program began, thousands of volunteers have collected samples from the Ohio River and its tributaries to test for water quality. Outfitted with chemical test kits, a basic knowledge of water quality, and a desire to learn more about the effects of pollution on rivers and streams, participants collect samples and conduct tests to evaluate the health of local waterways. Data collected during testing are sent to ORSANCO where they are evaluated and entered into a database.

RiverWatchers' Goals

RiverWatchers goals include: increase public awareness of local water quality issues, to promote stewardship through public education and involvement, and to provide an environmental education resource for teachers and citizens.

RiverWatchers Events

RiverWatchers Teacher Training Workshops are scheduled throughout the year. For more information, please email Melissa Mann at mmann@orsanco.org or call (513) 231-7719 to arrange a workshop in your area.

2008 Training Workshop Schedule (class size is limited, so please sign up early)

-Saturday, March 8th (Cincinnati, OH)
-Monday, March 31st (Jamestown, NY)
-Friday, August 8th (Cincinnati, OH)

 

RiverWatchers Newsletter
 
September 2007
.PDF
January 2008
.PDF
   
   

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Public Information Department - RiverWatchers Program
5735 Kellogg Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45202
513.231.7719