CreekWatch and SEAWA to facilitate citizen science river testing

Posted on 21 May 2024 by Ryan Dahlman

Alberta Newspaper Group

South East Alberta Watershed Alliance and CreekWatch are inviting residents to take part in a free citizen science project, to get to know their local waterways better.

June 8 will see families, children and youth collecting water and invertebrate samples from the South Saskatchewan River at Police Point Park, then testing their samples to learn how healthy the river is.

“The health of the South Saskatchewan River affects everyone who lives, plays and works in the southeast Alberta watershed,” says Dwayne Rogness, SEAWA executive director. “So this event is a great opportunity for children and youth to learn about their river, plus participate in fun, hands-on science.”

While the event itself is available at no cost, spaces are limited, so those interested are urged to register on Eventbrite as soon as possible.

“Samples will be tested for dissolved oxygen, pH, nitrogen, phosphate, chloride, turbidity and temperature to assess the health of the river. Samples will also be analyzed for the number of invertebrates, or bugs, they contain,” said SEAWA. “These creatures don’t have a backbone and can be seen with the naked eye. They’re part of the water food web, and as such, indicate river health.”

Participants are also encouraged to bring rubber boots.