DRBC - Water Snapshot 2002 Letter

DRBC logo.

March 27, 2002

Dear Friend:

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 2002, which will take place from Friday, April 19 to Sunday, April 28.

This popular, water quality sampling event that takes a "snapshot" of the health of Delaware River Basin waterways will be celebrating its seventh year in 2002. Water Snapshot serves as an important educational, outreach activity around Earth Day, April 22, bringing attention to the need for water quality monitoring and providing 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's web site (www.drbc.net) without regard to the precision of the analytical method or the expertise of the sampler. Snapshot results are not intended to reflect exact science, but rather demonstrate the public's commitment to learn more about the quality of the basin's waters.

Here is what you will find in this mailing:

A data sheet to use in recording the information you collect. The back of the sheet includes a visual assessment for those who want to participate, but do not have access to testing equipment. Feel free to make as many copies as you need. Please return all data sheets to the DRBC by May 31, 2002.
A copy of "Snapshot: A Report Card on the Health of Delaware River Basin Waterways." This booklet describes the program and explains water quality terminology. Additional copies are available upon request and can be downloaded from our web site.
Training opportunities being offered to interested Snapshot participants by the Delaware Riverkeeper Network and the Pocono Environmental Education Center.
An American Shad bookmark to remind you that water quality has been improving in the Delaware River Watershed, but important work still needs to be done. You can learn more "shad facts" by visiting www.drbc-edweb.net on the Internet.

In response to very positive feedback, I am again 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. Funding for the kits is being provided by the William Penn Foundation and the DRBC. Please contact Clarke Rupert by e-mail or phone (609-883-9500, ext. 260) if you are interested in receiving a free kit.

As I already mentioned, many volunteers from watershed associations and other environmental organizations participate in water quality monitoring programs throughout the year, not just during Water Snapshot. They certainly deserve our appreciation for their dedication. I encourage you to learn more about these groups and consider joining them (if you are not already a member!). Please visit the DRBC web site to help locate your nearest local watershed group. And let us know if we are missing any groups so we can add their names to this ever-growing list. Updated or new information about watershed groups for the web site should be directed to Clarke Rupert.

Thank you for participating in Water Snapshot 2002 and I encourage you to regularly visit our web site for updated information.

Sincerely,

Carol R. Collier
Executive Director

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.

Return to Water Snapshot Home Page

DRBC Home Page

P.O. BOX 7360, West Trenton, NJ 08628-0360
" "

Voice (609) 883 - 9500 FAX (609) 883 - 9522

clarke.rupert@drbc.state.nj.us