Massachusetts Celebrates World Water Monitoring Day

Press Release from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Boston, Mass. - October 30, 2006 - Twenty-two Massachusetts groups were recognized by EPA for their efforts to provide volunteer water quality monitoring, which is helping Commonwealth residents to have a cleaner environment.

EPA, joined by state officials and local environmental groups celebrating World Water Monitoring Day today at the Schrafft’s Center’s Waterfront Park on the Mystic River in Charlestown, awarded equipment to volunteer water quality monitoring groups, including the Mystic River Watershed Association, Housatonic Valley Association, Jones River Marine Ecology Center, Charles River Watershed Association, Taunton River Watershed Alliance, Salem Sound Coastwatch, Merrimack River Watershed Council, Connecticut River Watershed Council, Webster Lake Association and to Roger Frymire, citizen activist.

Using this equipment, volunteers will assess the water quality conditions of Massachusetts lakes, rivers and estuaries with the data collected. Over the years, volunteers have been successful in raising awareness of failing septic systems, illicit discharges of sanitary sewerage, and nonpoint source runoff.

At least 200 New England groups are helping to protect our environment by doing volunteer water quality monitoring,” said Robert W. Varney, regional administrator of EPA’s New England office. “These volunteers are an incredible resource helping all of us to know the condition of our streams, rivers and ponds, and I’m pleased that we can provide equipment to these groups to help them expand their sampling programs. EPA commends all the volunteers doing their part to monitor Massachusetts waters.”

World Water Monitoring Day is an initiative co-sponsored by EPA and the Water Environment Federation to urge people around the world to test the quality of their streams, lakes, wetlands and coastal waters. This international outreach program builds public awareness and involvement in protecting water resources around the world. Held annually, it encourages communities to monitor the condition of local rivers, streams, estuaries and other water bodies. Since its inception, more than 80,000 people have participated in 50 countries.

Not only do volunteers get the satisfaction of helping such a worthy cause, they also receive a free race t-shirt along with other goodies. 

All races finish at the free Finish Line Festival which hosts day-long activities for the public at Herter Park on Soldiers' Field Road in Brighton.  The Festival will feature music by the Dixieland-style New New Orleans Jazz Band, back by popular demand, while the crowds can watch the races and check out the many displays.  A Boston Duck Tours "duck boat" will be on shore for guests to climb aboard.  Building #19, the official water-supplier of the race, will once again donate bottles of "Charles River Spring Water" (bottled in the Adirondacks!) to promote support for CRWA and its protection of the river.  McDonald's will provide free samples of their new "Newman's Own" coffee.

Sponsors of the Run of the Charles include Boston Duck Tours, Community Newspaper Company, Charles River Canoe & Kayak, Charles River Boat Company, Mirant Corporation, BSC Group, Haley & Aldrich, Keewaydin, McDonald's, Patagonia, REI, Sea Kayaker Magazine, SR Weiner/WS Development, Building 19 and the Parrot Head Club of Eastern Massachusetts.

The Run of the Charles builds support for the Charles River Watershed Association which seeks to protect and enhance the health, beauty and enjoyment of the Charles River and its tributaries.  CRWA's prominent role in protecting and restoring the Charles River since 1965 accounts for a much healthier Charles River today. 

Charles River Watershed Association advocates for stronger government policy to protect the Charles, monitors the health of the river's waters and wildlife habitats, and protects water supplies from unmitigated withdrawals. The work of CRWA encompasses all 80 miles of the Charles River, which meanders through 35 eastern Massachusetts towns and cities within 308 square miles of the Charles River watershed.  The nearly 1.5 million citizens who live in the watershed, totaling 23% of the state's population, benefit from a clean and healthy river.

Volunteers are still needed!  For more information or to register for the 2006 Run of the Charles Canoe & Kayak Race, please call (508) 698-6810 or email rotc@crwa.org.