Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Water Sentinel Program Expands to Forest Preserve

File photo

By Shannon Burns

This summer brought a new partnership for the River Prairie Group’s Water Sentinel Program.

For over a decade, volunteers for the River Prairie Group (RPG) have been monitoring water quality in three rivers within DuPage County: Salt Creek and the east/west branches of the DuPage River.

Starting in May, 2019, three lakes within the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County have been added to the monitoring program: Pratt’s Wayne Woods, Wood Dale Grove, and Hidden Lake. Lake water will be tested six times during the year, using the same criteria as that used for testing river water. Currently, samples are analyzed for phosphorus, chloride, ammonia, and nitrates. Sample analysis is based on Illinois's statewide general use water-quality standards.

“We’re excited about this partnership with the River Prairie Group’s Water Sentinel Program,” said Dan Grigas, fisheries ecologist for the District. “This program allows the District to begin a data base at a small sample of our lakes, using the same equipment and testing techniques established by the Sierra Club’s existing program.”

Regular water-quality monitoring has many uses, including establishing a historical record to help with identifying long-term trends in seasonal and yearly water variations. Monitoring these variations will help the District plan for fish and wildlife needs.

This all-volunteer effort, one of the oldest and broadest programs of its type, is seeking additional water collectors for the lake water testing program. Collecting water takes place on the first Saturday of each month and takes about one hour to complete. Contact Shannon Burns for more information or to volunteer: 630-779-4893 or Shannonburns112@aol.com


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