Metro Water Services

What is World Water Monitoring Day?

  • It’s Fun... You can do it with your class, family, friends, or other volunteers.
  • It’s Easy... You don’t have to be an experienced water monitor to participate.
  • It’s Important... We all need clean water.
  • And Everyone Can Help... So choose a site and take part.

The need for water is fundamental for all living things. This need knows no boundaries, and it is critical that individuals become aware of the ways in which they can impact water quality. Recognizing the need to increase public awareness and involvement in the protection of water quality, the Water Environment Federation and its global partner the International Water Association invite you to participate in World Water Monitoring Day. World Water Monitoring Day is celebrated on September 18 as the beginning of a month long monitoring window from September 18-October 18.

How to Participate in Word Water Monitoring Day

  • Register your site Choose any lake, stream, bay, or other waterbody where you can safely monitor. Register your site at the World Water Monitoring Day website.
  • Prepare your monitoring equipment Use your own equipment or purchase an easy to use test kit via the World Water Monitoring Day website. Each kit contains an informative instruction booklet.
  • Monitor your site Invite others to help you monitor or do it yourself. Visit your site anytime from September 18 through October 18 to test the water. Remember, SAFETY FIRST! (See the World Water Monitoring Day website for safety tips.)
  • Report your data You did the work, so let us know about your water. You can submit your results via the World Water Monitoring Day website from September 18 through December 18.
  • Metro Water Services' water professionals are available for water quality presentations and are eager to assist volunteer groups wanting to join in this effort. Contact Sonia Harvat at (615) 862-4494 or Sonia.Harvat@Nashville.gov.

World Water Monitoring DayThe monitoring period occurs between September 18 and October 18. Data may be reported through December 18.

Here’s what you’ll test for…

Dissolved oxygen (DO):
Measures how many molecules of oxygen are in the water. Since oxygen is important to fish and other aquatic life (just as it is for people!), higher DO readings support more diverse species and a healthier ecosystem. Low levels of DO can weaken or kill fish and other aquatic life.
pH (Acidity):
Measures how acidic or basic a liquid is. pH is measured on a scale from 0-14, where 1 is most acidic, 14 is most basic, and 7 is neutral. A pH between 6.5 and 8.5 is favorable for supporting life in natural waters.
Turbidity (Clarity):
Measures the water’s clarity. Debris, sand, silt, and other materials can make the water less clear (more turbid). Turbidity can impact the aquatic ecosystem by affecting photosynthesis, respiration, and reproduction of aquatic life.
Temperature:
Measures the warmth or coldness of the water. This indicator is important because it affects dissolved oxygen, photosynthesis, and the food supply. Waters that are too hot or too cold can have severe effects on fish and other aquatic life.

If you have any questions which are not addressed through this web site, please email sonia.harvat@nashville.gov.