Outdoor civic duty. Volunteer Beth LeVigne using a Secchi tube to collect a water clarity sample near Duluth . Image: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
State data collection in 50th year
WINONA, Minn. –The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency asked for volunteers to test the clarity of water this spring and summer to add data to its 50-old project year on whether water is getting better or worse. Testing takes five to 10 minutes and involves dipping a bucket into a stream and pouring water into a test tube, which measures sediment levels. No experience is needed. The agency provides volunteers with free monitoring equipment. To volunteer. Flooding this spring makes sediment measures especially critical, said Shannon Martin, volunteer coordinator. Monitoring sites around Winona include the Root, Whitewater and Zumbro watersheds. The sites:
> Winona County: 16
> Fillmore County: 16
> Houston County: 4
> Wabasha County: 4