A simplified approach to stream water quality evaluation through the collection and analysis of key indicator species of aquatic insects and other life forms holds great promise for the protection of Kentucky's streams and rivers.

As a low-cost and uncomplicated means of developing a picture of stream health, the Water Watch Program should be accessible to groups or individuals of almost any age. Since the greatest enemy of any river is apathy, it is hoped that those who participate in this program will develop a greater sensitivity to the stream or streams with which they are involved and become part of the growing constituency of citizens who are strongly concerned with the fate of our state's precious stream systems.

The Water Watch Biological Monitoring Program, however, must consider the following important points:

• Since the procedures are designed to be quickly and easily performed, only the extremes of water quality can be readily and accurately determined. Subtle differences in water quality, as well as pinpointing sources of pollution, are outside the scope of these procedures.
• The long-term value of the Water Watch Biological Monitoring Program will be in the gathering of data which, over a number of years, will serve as a generalized resource information base for the evaluation of stream water quality.
• In order to generate the necessary information for stream evaluation, all reports and stream quality assessment forms should be forwarded to the appropriate person and/or office listed on the forms.
• Since most streams in Kentucky are bordered by private property, which includes the river bottoms, permission from the landowner must be secured. By working with the Water Watch Program coordinator, a list of suitable monitoring sites can be established.
• During periods of cold or high water, participants should not attempt to take collections. Safety should be considered at all times. High water conditions create powerful currents that are dangerous and unpredictable. Such currents disrupt the macroinvertebrate populations; therefore, collection during high water would not be of value. Cold surroundings can cause a condition called hypothermia that causes severe numbing of the limbs and the inability to move to an area of safety. Participants should not enter the stream when the combined air and water temperature is less than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

The purpose of the Water Watch Biological Monitoring Program is to provide participants with an understanding of the importance of macroinvertebrates in determining the general water quality of rivers and streams. The user will be able to collect useful information for the Kentucky Division of Water to assist in protecting state waterways, while learning the importance of river resources.

The collection and analysis procedures used by the Water Watch Program have been developed for easy use and to provide a hands-on experience without extended time in the field.

It is our intent to encourage volunteer groups and local school districts throughout Kentucky to use this program to increase awareness of the importance of rivers.

This program is not intended to pinpoint subtle changes in water quality, but rather the general condition of the stream. Information obtained from field observation will be compiled and used as a basic indicator of the long-term changes in water quality. The information obtained will be maintained as a reference indicator. Information that indicates potential decreases in water quality will be coordinated with appropriate environmental protection agencies.

Main Biological Monitoring Page