THE future health of the district\u2019s creeks is looking good after several of concerned citizens set up a Waterwatch group at Heathcote recently.<\/p>\n
Waterwatch is a citizen science program that aims to collect information on the water quality of creeks and build awareness of their condition.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis could possibly help to improve the creeks,\u201d said Leon Metzeling, a retired freshwater scientist who started the group with his partner and aquatic scientist Julia Reed.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe main activity, at the moment, is to take water quality measurements once a month from a couple of sites on McIvor and Wild Duck creeks and more, if we get enough people.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have set up a roster and will use kits supplied by the North Central Catchment Management Authority.\u201d<\/p>\n
The project is part of a wider program and there are 70 Waterwatch groups in the region.<\/p>\n
The information they collect is shared across and seeks to build knowledge to assist in improving waterways.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to improve our creeks and make them a healthy place for the community to enjoy. We don\u2019t want just a drain running through the town,\u201d said Mr Metzeling.<\/p>\n
Citizen science coordinator with the NCCMA Tania MacLeod attended a recent meeting and demonstrated how to use the water quality kits.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a fantastic turnout,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s great to see so many people interested the health of waterways in their patch.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will be providing ongoing support with equipment and training.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe CMA program was set up 30 years ago and is a well-respected initiative assisting with ongoing water health and community involvement.\u201d<\/p>\n
Anyone who would like further information or to join the group can contact Mr Metzeling on 0429 168 084.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE future health of the district\u2019s creeks is looking good after several of concerned citizens set up a Waterwatch group at Heathcote recently. Waterwatch is a citizen science program that aims to collect information on the water quality of creeks and build awareness of their condition. \u201cThis could possibly help to improve the creeks,\u201d said […]<\/p>\n