March 28, 2001

Dear Friend:

The dawn of another spring is upon us and that, of course, signals the approach of the sixth annual Water Snapshot. On behalf of the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) and the members of the organizing committee*, I would like to invite you to participate in Water Snapshot 2001, which will take place from Friday, April 20 to Sunday, April 29.

This popular, basinwide, water quality sampling event takes a "snapshot" of the health of Delaware River Basin waterways and serves as an important educational, outreach activity around Earth Day, April 22, bringing attention to the need for water quality monitoring. It also provides much-deserved recognition to those volunteers who participate in on-going water quality monitoring programs.

Water Snapshot is an opportunity for the young and old, experienced and first-timers, to collect water quality data. Whether you conduct a visual assessment or use sophisticated instruments, we hope your participation in Snapshot will create a heightened awareness about local watersheds, the crucial role they play in all of our lives, and the need for stewardship. The data will be compiled and posted on the DRBC web site (www.state.nj.us/drbc) without regard to the precision of the analytical method or the expertise of the analyst. Snapshot results are not intended to reflect exact science, but rather a record of the public's commitment to learn more about the quality of the basin's waters.

Enclosed is a data sheet to use in recording the information you collect. Feel free to make as many copies as you need. The back of the sheet includes a visual assessment for those who want to participate, but do not have access to testing equipment. Please return all data sheets to the DRBC by June 1, 2001.

Also enclosed is a new DRBC publication, "Snapshot: A Report Card on the Health of Delaware River Basin Waterways." This booklet describes the program and explains the water quality terminology used during Snapshot. Additional copies are available upon request and also can be downloaded from the DRBC web site.

Thanks to donations from the William Penn Foundation and the DRBC, I am pleased to announce the availability of a limited number of free, Water Snapshot monitoring kits to interested schools, organizations, and individuals on a first-come, first-served basis. These custom LaMotte kits use "TesTabs" to perform simple tests for nitrate, phosphate, pH, dissolved oxygen (10 tests each), and unlimited temperature. Those interested in a free kit should contact the DRBC by e-mail or by phone (609-883-9500, ext. 260).

There will again be training opportunities offered to interested Snapshot participants, thanks to the efforts of several steering committee members, including the Delaware Riverkeeper Network, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), and the Pocono Environmental Education Center. Information is enclosed and I recommend that you check the DRBC web site for additional training opportunities that may become available, as well as for updated information about Snapshot.

I also encourage you to learn more about watershed associations and other environmental organizations that conduct important volunteer water quality monitoring activities throughout the year. Please visit the DRBC web site to help you locate your nearest local watershed group.

Thank you for participating in Water Snapshot 2001!

Enclosures

*In addition to the DRBC, the Water Snapshot steering committee includes representatives from the following organizations: Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Delaware Estuary Program, Delaware Riverkeeper Network, National Park Service, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, New York Department of Environmental Conservation, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Pennsylvania Environmental Council, Pocono Environmental Education Center, Upper Delaware Council, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Geological Survey.

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clarke.rupert@drbc.state.nj.us