In a previous post, I discussed how Arlington County’s dense urban environment leads to stream pollution from runoff. This creates a need for staff to keep an eye on stream conditions, to ensure conditions remain safe for resident recreation. But how is a small staff supposed to consistently find the time and labor to keep tabs on the streams? Volunteers!
Learn more about Arlington’s volunteer and staff-led stream monitoring projects here. Enjoy!
Where The Water Goes 
I often feel like the urbanization problem is clearly identified, but trying to resolve it is baffling. The situation is extremely complex and will need to include input and action from government, citizen and corporate entities. What do you think is the single biggest issue facing the urban watershed system? What is one thing each person do on the day to day to help?
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I think Arlington struggles from a high percentage of impervious surfaces which, of course, the average citizen will not have much power over on a daily basis. To start making a difference, I’d encourage residents to learn more about what we need to keep out of our waterways–fertilizers, pet waste, trash, etc–and kindly encourage others to keep those substances controlled. Peer to peer education efforts can make a huge difference!
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I really think it is awesome that so many people care enough about their water to volunteer their time to go out and help monitor the condition. It is also so sad that they can not have a staff large enough to accomplish all the tasks involved with monitoring and caring for waterways. Besides air, water is the most important resource to life and yet the government does not do enough to protect it, my opinion. Yes they pass regulations, such as the Clean Water Act, but without the people and resources to enforce regulations what good are they?
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