SPOKANE, Wash. — Experts warn the Spokane River watershed faces serious water quality problems, but long-term, consistent monitoring across the region remains limited.
Now, the Spokane Riverkeeper is spearheading a new community effort to address this gap and residents can play a role in protecting their local waterways.
The organization plans to partner with local universities, tribes and other groups to collect and analyze water quality data throughout the watershed. The program requires volunteers to help collect water samples as part of an expanded monitoring effort.
The community science program is open to anyone willing to make a 10-month commitment and complete required training. Volunteers will spend up to two hours each month collecting water quality data and samples, then deliver the samples to Gonzaga University the same day.
Jule Schultz, waterkeeper with the Spokane Riverkeeper, said this year’s unusual weather conditions make the monitoring program especially critical.
“We don’t know how this dry year and warm year is going to affect our river, and we need eyes and ears monitoring it,” Schultz said.
The new partnership aims to expand high-quality water monitoring throughout the watershed by combining professional expertise with community involvement.
For those interested in participating, a virtual information session will be held March 19. The one-hour presentation will provide details about how the study will be conducted and what volunteers can expect if they choose to participate.
Registration is required to receive the virtual meeting link and additional information about the program. You can find more details on it here.
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