Water Quality Monitoring
Testing and monitoring are key tools for protecting water quality and public health across the Etowah watershed.
Why Water Quality Monitoring Matter
Clean water is vital for people, plants, and animals. To measure the health of our watershed, the Upper Etowah River Alliance holds regular sampling and testing events. At these events, volunteers collect water and macroinvertebrate samples throughout Cherokee, Dawson, and Pickens counties.
Next, our team analyzes the samples and records the results. Finally, we share the data with city, county, and state agencies.
What do we test for?
The Upper Etowah River Alliance breaks stream testing down into three core categories: Bacteria, Chemical/Physical Parameters, and Biological Indicators.
Bacteria Testing
We mainly test for E. coli, an indicator organism. Its presence signals that fecal matter has entered the stream, for example from leaking septic tanks, sewer overflows, farm runoff, or pet waste. As a result, it warns of a higher risk from dangerous pathogens.
Physical & Chemical Testing
Routine chemical testing tracks core stream conditions such as pH, dissolved oxygen, nutrients, and turbidity. Together, these readings help us quickly spot runoff pollution, sewage spills, and conditions that threaten aquatic life.
Biological Indicators
Biological monitoring shows long-term stream health. Volunteers count macroinvertebrates, such as aquatic insects and snails. Because some are more sensitive to pollution than others, the mix we find reflects water quality. In addition, visual habitat surveys check for streambed erosion and bank vegetation.
I have always been a proponent of the phrase, “leave the earth a little better than how you were born into it.” Growing up, I was involved in many projects that were focused on recycling, feeding, building, and serving the community. Through these adventures in my childhood and young adulthood I have always had a keen eye on the environment and what I could do in my life to learn educate and serve in my community. I encourage everyone to find a place to volunteer, In something (waterways monitoring, adopt-a-mile) or someplace (Soup kitchen or habitat for humanity) you feel you can contribute and maybe, just maybe, create some therapy for yourselves. God bless you all, I am proud to be a part of such a wonderful program.
Georgia Adopt-A-Stream Certified
Through Georgia Adopt-A-Stream we encourage individuals and communities to monitor streams, wetlands, and lakes in the Etowah Watershed and beyond. Manuals, training, and technical support are provided through Georgia EPD and more than 70 established Community Adopt-A-Stream organizers. Georgia Adopt-A-Stream workshops are offered upon request.