FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 16, 2006
DHEC promotes World Water Monitoring Day
COLUMBIA – World Water Monitoring Day is set for Oct. 18 to encourage citizens to monitor their local waterways, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control announced today.
“World Water Monitoring Day is an event designed to educate people of all ages, in all nations, about the value of clean water and their role in protecting water resources,” said David Wilson chief of DHEC’s Bureau of Water. “Low-cost, simple test kits are available from the World Water Monitoring Day Web site. Groups already engaged in water quality monitoring are invited to participate using their own equipment and methods. The results can be posted to the World Water Monitoring Day Web site and will give a snapshot of water quality nationwide.
“Clean water is important to everyone’s health and well-being,” Wilson said. “We strive to ensure that water throughout South Carolina is suitable for swimming, fishing and drinking.
“DHEC monitors South Carolina’s streams, lakes and estuaries year-round,” Wilson said. “The agency’s water quality scientists measure temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen on site and send water samples to a state laboratory. The lab samples are tested for levels of nutrients, clarity and bacteria associated with human and animal wastes, toxic metals and additional indications of water quality.”
According to Wilson, when results indicate there are problems in a particular water body, DHEC helps local organizations bring the water body back to better health in compliance with state and federal water quality standards.
State water quality standards determine the use of a water body, such as recreational or drinking water supply. Monitoring results are also used to determine long-term water quality trends, identify locations in need of additional attention and set permit limits for wastewater discharges.
DHEC urges citizens to learn more about water quality in their local area and to participate in World Water Monitoring Day. For more information about water quality trends in South Carolina, see the Watershed Water Quality Assessments Web site at: www.scdhec.gov/eqc/water/shed/ home.html. To participate in World Water Monitoring Day visit: www.worldwatermonitoringday.org.
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For more information:
Lynn LaSalle – (803) 898-4394
E-mail – lasallli@dhec.sc.gov
or
Adam Myrick – (803) 898-3884
E-mail – myrickar@dhec.sc.gov
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