Citizens Worldwide To Observe World Water Monitoring Day September 18

Public awareness program connects communities to water resources

On September 18, thousands of people around the world will get their hands wet testing the condition of their local waterbodies in observance of World Water Monitoring Day. The Water Environment Federation (WEF) and the International Water Association (IWA) urge individuals and organizations worldwide to participate and help raise awareness of the importance of water quality.

World Water Monitoring Day takes place each year as a component of the broader World Water Monitoring Challenge (WWMC). Coordinated by WEF and IWA, WWMC challenges citizens to test the quality of their waterways, share their findings and protect our most precious resource.

Worldwide participation in WWMC is expected to surpass last year when more than 300,000 people tested water quality in nearly 80 countries.

“We’re anticipating another big year for WWMC, particularly in Malaysia, the U.S., Spain and India. Our program in Latin America has also made great strides,” said Lorien Walsh, WEF Assistant Director of Communications. “It’s exciting to see such a diverse group of people from all over the world united around this resource that ties us all together.”

Getting involved is easy. Program participants use a simple, low-cost monitoring kit to learn about some of the most common indicators of watershed health.  Then they log their results in an online database and share their stories with others around the world through the program website. Citizens are invited to “take the Challenge” anytime from March 22 until December 31.

WWMC receives financial and in-kind support from primary sponsors including Xylem Inc., Smithfield Foods, the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

For more details about World Water Monitoring Challenge and how to participate in 2012, visit www.MonitorWater.org.

About WEF
Founded in 1928, the Water Environment Federation (WEF) is a not-for-profit technical and educational organization of 36,000 individual members and 75 affiliated Member Associations representing water quality professionals around the world. WEF members, Member Associations, and staff proudly work to achieve our mission to provide bold leadership, champion innovation, connect water professionals, and leverage knowledge to support clean and safe water worldwide. For more information, visit www.wef.org

About IWA
The International Water Association (IWA) is a global network of water professionals that spans the continuum between research and practice, covering all facets of the water cycle. IWA membership comprises 10,000 individuals and 400 corporate members, working in 130 countries. The Association seeks to connect water professionals worldwide to lead the development of effective and sustainable approaches to water management. For more information, visit www.iwahq.org.