community-based, science-based watershed stewardship through participatory water monitoring
Our Three Main Components
Our Base
The GWW Program is based at and coordinated through the Auburn University Water Resources Center. The Center receives support from the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, and grants from various governmental and private agencies.
Our Organization
GWW Inc. is a legally incorporated and tax exempt non-profit (501.c.3) organization exclusively dedicated to charitable, educational, and scientific purposes. We receive financial support from governmental and non-governmental grants, and donations.
Our Partnerships
GWW-based organizations in countries around the world. Some of these organizations are legally incorporated for specific GWW activities, and others are coordinated from other organizations and agencies with related missions.
What is Global Water Watch?
Global Water Watch (GWW), is a voluntary network of community based water monitoring (CBWM) groups.
What are our Goals?
The overall goal of GWW is to foster watershed stewardship through the development of citizen volunteer monitoring of surface waters for the improvement of both water quality and public health.
How do we monitor water quality?
GWW helps communities establish teams of citizens who measure physical, chemical and biological indicators of watershed fitness. Monitors use their data for protection and restoration of watersheds, streams and lakes, advocacy for the improvement of drinking water quality and public health, and to implement environmental education programs for the public.
Methods
The GWW program works with citizen groups to develop a water monitoring plan. Training workshops are usually offered at a water body where the monitors live. Community members are introduced to the principles of watershed stewardship, water monitoring and use of monitoring equipment. Sampling sites are selected that are convenient, safe, legal, accessible and strategic in water quality information gained. Monitors are encouraged to sample their sites at least monthly to record water conditions and capture seasonal and yearly trends.
Bacteriological Monitoring
Detect E. coli and other bacteria in water which indicate fecal contamination.
Stream Biomonitoring
Evaluate water quality of a stream by learning the principles and practice of using macroinvertebrates.
Total Suspended Solids
Learn to use hand held operated vacuum pump, filter holder & receiver, glass fiber filters, water collecting graduated cylinders, forceps, and sterilizaed Petri dises.
Stream Discharge Monitoring
Stream Flow or Discharge is the volume of water that moves over a designated point over a fixed period of time.