Registration is required!

Alabama Water Watch, in partnership with the USDA Forest Service and Wild Alabama, is excited to announce Phase III of the water monitoring project in the National Forests in Alabama!

This project’s goal is to promote citizens to discover the national forests in Alabama…by monitoring their waters!  Volunteer citizens will gather water chemistry and bacteriological monitoring data on select stream locations within the National Forests in Alabama. Read more about Water Chemistry and Bacteriological Monitoring here.

Two hybrid (virtual and in-person components) water quality monitoring trainings will be held in March through May 2024 for the Oakmulgee and Bankhead/ Bankhead National Forests.

Each workshop will cover information related to the water environment, forests and watershed health, pollution, water quality standards, and data management. Training participants will be trained and certified in AWW Water Chemistry and Bacteriological Monitoring. Although these trainings are focused on the USFS Project and monitoring sites in the NFAL, they are open to anyone interested in getting certified as AWW Water Monitors.

Participants will head outdoors to conduct monitoring practices and visit pre-selected monitoring sites on the National Forests.

Professional Development Hours are available through PowerSchool for educators who complete training. For more information, please email awwvolunteers@auburn.edu.

You must complete each of the steps outlined below to receive your monitoring certification.

Follow these steps to get started:

1.  Register for training through this form by April 16th, 2024.

2.  Select the monitoring type(s) for which you would like certification through this form.

On April 16th

Participate in the Kick-Off Zoom from 12-1 pm. This is not required for certification but will help you navigate the training process and meet AWW Staff.

• Use the link and instructions you receive via email following the Kick-Off Zoom to enroll in the Online Courses required for the certification type(s) you requested.

By Midnight on April 30th

Complete the self-paced, online coursework for the monitoring type(s) of interest.

• Introduction to AL Water Watch – This course is required for all monitoring types and must be completed to unlock all other AWW Online Courses. (1 hour)
• Bacteriological Monitoring Course (90 minutes)
• Water Chemistry Monitoring Course (2 hours)

On May 3rd
Attend the in-person Field Day at Oakmulgee National Forest where you will demonstrate your ability to conduct monitoring tests under the observation of an AWW Trainer. Participants will be expected to follow CDC guidelines regarding in-person gatherings during the training.

Field Day Schedule: 9am-4pm
8:45 am Check-In for Bacteriological Monitoring Session
9:00 am Bacteriological Monitoring Session
12:00 pm Lunch Break
12:45 pm Check-In for Water Chemistry Monitoring Session
1:00 pm Water Chemistry Monitoring Session
4:00 pm Adjourn