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Lowell, Mass. Celebrates World Water Monitoring Day

Release Date: 10/25/2006
Contact Information: Sheryl Rosner, (617) 918-1865

(Boston, Mass. – Oct. 25, 2006) - The Merrimack River Watershed Council was recognized by EPA for its efforts to conduct volunteer water quality monitoring of the Merrimack River, which will help Lowell and other watershed residents to have a cleaner environment.

EPA, joined by officials from Lowell at LeLacheur Park in Lowell, awarded water monitoring equipment on loan to the Merrimack River Watershed Council (MRWC). Using this equipment, volunteers will assess the water quality conditions of the Merrimack River from the New Hampshire border to the Merrimack River estuary in Newburyport. Over the years, volunteers throughout New England have been successful in raising awareness of failing septic systems, illicit discharges of sanitary sewerage, and nonpoint source runoff.

EPA also announced that it would assist the Merrimack River Watershed Council during 2007 by providing free microbiological analyses of water samples collected from the Merrimack River at the EPA New England Regional Laboratory in North Chelmsford. The Council hopes to enlist 16 boats and 48 volunteers to collect samples during the summer season to be tested by EPA.

“At least 200 New England groups are helping to protect our environment by doing volunteer water quality monitoring,” said Robert W. Varney, regional administrator of EPA’s New England office. “These volunteers are an incredible resource helping all of us to know the condition of our streams, rivers and ponds, and I’m pleased that we can provide equipment through our new loan program to the Merrimack River Watershed Council to help it reinstate its monitoring program. EPA commends all the volunteers doing their part to monitor New England waters.”

World Water Monitoring Day is an initiative co-sponsored by EPA and the Water Environment Federation to urge people around the world to test the quality of their streams, lakes, wetlands and coastal waters. This international outreach program builds public awareness and involvement in protecting water resources around the world. Held annually, it encourages communities to monitor the condition of local rivers, streams, estuaries and other water bodies. Since its inception, more than 80,000 people have participated in 50 countries.

More information on World Water Monitoring Day (epa.gov/owow/monitoring/)

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