Water Watchers looking for new recruits

If you’ve ever thought about water in the Eastern Sierra and have been looking for a way to get involved in the preservation of the local water supply then look no further than the Eastern Sierra Water Watchers.

The Eastern Sierra Water Watchers, a dedicated local citizen group, has been monitoring the water quality in the Eastern Sierra for the past four years. They spend a morning or afternoon about once a month protecting and monitoring the Eastside’s rivers, creeks, and lakes. The Water Watcher volunteers take scientific measurements of the water’s physical, chemical, and biological properties. Some dedicated volunteers adopt a creek to monitor every month, while others pitch in when they can.

Last year, a few Water Watcher volunteers noticed a suspicious bloom of algae in the Lakes Basin near Mammoth while monitoring and reported it to the Mammoth Community Water District. Because of the watchful eyes of the volunteers, Mammoth Community Water District was able to monitor the situation to ensure safe drinking water for the Town of Mammoth Lakes.

The Eastern Sierra Water Watchers are always looking for new volunteers. Volunteers have flexibility with the amount of time they are involved, and many love the opportunity to get outside and make a positive impact on the lands they love.  Training and new volunteer orientation will take place on May 8 from 12:30 to 5 p.m. at Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Lab (SNARL), 1016 Mt. Morrison Road across the road from the Mammoth Yosemite Airport. Other training dates are possible for those unable to attend the May 8 Training.

For more information or to RSVP for the training, please contact Ian Bell via email at ian@friendsoftheinyo.org or by calling 760.873.6500. –FOI/LAK