DrainWatch
DrainWatch is the Santa Monica Baykeeper Watershed Program’s defense against water pollution in the rivers and on the beaches of Los Angeles County. DrainWatch is mobilizing dedicated volunteers to conduct hands-on monitoring, data collection, and water sampling needed to identify and curtail pollution caused by urban runoff. Baykeeper staff and volunteers identify and sample storm drains flowing to beaches along the L.A. County coastline and in major waterways emptying into the Pacific Ocean.
DrainWatch volunteers are educated about the causes and implications of storm water pollution and are trained to visually monitor the health of a stretch of coastline or creek. Volunteers are also trained on the scientific techniques for collecting water samples and processing them in the Baykeeper Lab.
DrainWatch has been designed as a periodic, systematic sampling program that will establish baseline data across our coastline and track pre-existing and new contaminants to their source. Santa Monica Baykeeper, water regulatory agencies, and municipalities will then use this data to identify and ultimately eliminate sources of pollution.
This program is expanding, systematizing, and extending our previous "Beachkeeper" sampling program, which attracted a singularly dedicated corps of volunteer "citizen monitors" who contributed years and years of energy and skill. Previous experience or not, we hope you will consider volunteering for DrainWatch and carrying on this legacy.
Update: Amoeba Music's blog provides more detailed information in an interview with Baykeeper's Lara Meeker.
DrainWatch Announcements
Wed, 7/20 Training and Orientation
7:00-8:30pm Baykeeper office, 120 Broadway Suite 105, Santa Monica
This session is open to ALL new volunteers and anyone interested in learning more about the program.
Sun, 7/24 Sampling Field Day
9:00am-12:30pm sampling
12:20-3:00pm processing in Baykeeper Lab, 120 Broadway Suite 105, Santa Monica
Trained DrainWatch volunteers will be monitoring and collecting water samples along Ballona Creek in the morning. Sample processing will take place in the NEW Baykeeper Lab Sunday afternoon. Participants must first attend a DrainWatch Training and Orientation.
Seeking DrainWatch Summer Intern
Part-time internship to help in all things DrainWatch and Watershed Programs related.
For application click here, deadline is July 8th.
For questions and to RSVP to DrainWatch events contact Lara Meeker at lara@smbaykeeper.org or
(310) 394-6162 ext. 101.You can also register for events on our facebook page.
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