The Official Blog of Alabama Water Watch
Are you an educator, or do you know of an educator who would like to engage your students with citizen science and watershed stewardship? After a one year postponement, we are excited to announce that we are currently recruiting educators from coastal counties to help us pilot the new 4-H AWW Project “Exploring Pathogen Pollution in Our Waters.”
Continue reading “4-H Alabama Water Watch Project: Exploring Pathogen Pollution in Our Waters”The Black Warrior River Basin is the largest watershed wholly within Alabama’s state boundaries. The river’s principal forks, the Sipsey, Mulberry, and Locust, begin in North Alabama and converge to form the Black Warrior to the west of Birmingham at the Jefferson County, Walker County line.
If you need to come by our office, please call or email to make an appointment.
AWW is starting to offer in-person certification and recertification sessions in addition to the online and hybrid offerings that will be available soon. All in-person workshops will follow the health and safety guidelines set by Auburn University and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.
As soon as those opportunities are available, information will be provided on the AWW website and through email communications. If you are interested in being trained as a monitor, please complete the Workshop Interest Survey below and we will contact you when opportunities are available.
https://auburn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_af1oUBNMF0YIfJz
Please note that monitors in need of recertification have been given an extension of their certifications until they are able to attend a recertification session. They will be permitted to enter data. Options for recertification will be available in the coming weeks.
Current monitors can continue to monitor water as long as they abide by all safety guidelines and requirements. Each monitor has a unique situation related to where they monitor, and with whom they monitor. Please use the following resources to make the best decision for your situation, and don’t hesitate to contact AWW if in doubt.
Continue reading “AWW Office COVID-19 Update”The Alabama River is considered the heart river of the state. The Alabama is the state’s longest river, flowing for 315 miles and draining 11% of the state in 18 counties. The Alabama River is formed by the confluence of the Coosa and Tallapoosa Rivers just north of Montgomery. The mighty river begins at the Fall Line, an imaginary line demarcating the area of Alabama’s ancient coastline. The Alabama River serves as the unifier of Alabama’s Eastern Rivers, the Coosa and Tallapoosa and her western rivers, the Cahaba, Black Warrior and Tombigbee.
Travel down rivers through time to encounter the rich human history and natural wonders that have defined Alabama. Along the way, we will celebrate an array of magnificent rivers filled with unique plants and animals, shaped over the ages by a remarkably diverse geology. Accept the challenge to restore and protect our rivers for their economic, cultural, and ecological benefits, but most of all because it is the right thing to do.
Join Dr. Bill Deutsch and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Auburn University as they journey through Rivers of Alabama, a 7-week Zoom course that will allow participants to explore the wonders and mysteries of Alabama’s Rivers.
ATTENTION BACTERIOLOGICAL MONITORS!!
Micrology Labs has changed their address and phone number. Please see the update from them below.
What are the Alabama Fish Consumption Advisories?
The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) and the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) sample fish in Alabama’s rivers, streams, and lakes, to compile the Annual Alabama Fish Consumption Advisory. Fish Consumption Advisories provide information and recommendations about eating fish from Alabama rivers and lakes that may be contaminated. This information enables people to make more informed choices about the types of fish they eat, and how much to consume.
You can view the full advisory document on the ADPH website: https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/tox/assets/al-fish-advisory-2020.pdf
What is iNaturalist?
iNaturalist is an online and mobile app hosted by National Geographic and the California Academy of Sciences to allow users to submit observations of and identify organisms.
The AWW family mourns the loss of Marty Schulman: AWW monitor extraordinaire, mentor, celebrated naturalist, biodiversity warrior, and friend.
Marty volunteered with AWW and many other environmentally focused organizations including Ruffner Mountain and the Alabama Rivers Alliance. Besides monitoring our waters, he took the time to educate others, especially young people, to get involved with local watershed stewardship efforts.
Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act (CWA) requires that states assess surface waters and compile a list of those that have become polluted to the point that they no longer support their Use Classification (e.g., Fish & Wildlife, Public Water Supply, Swimming & Whole-Body Contact, etc.). This list of impaired waters is known as the 303(d) List.
Continue reading “What is the 303(d) List of Impaired Waters?”