Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program

Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program

	Inside this Issue: August 2002
		Notes from the Statewide Coordinator	Next>
		Brookfield Zoo Celebrates the YOCW
		2002 Lake Festivals
		Lake Notes Fact Sheets
		Web-based Volunteer Database
		Illinois Clean Lakes Program News Release
		National Monitoring Day
		Secchi Dip-In Update
		Contacts

In an effort to address the growing concern of a declining quality of life involving our nation's water supply and to heighten the importance of our nation's water resources, Congress passed the federal Clean Water Act in 1972, its main objective being "to restore and maintain the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the Nation's waters." Thirty years following this key legislation, the nation, and Illinois in particular, has seen great water quality improvements in our lakes, streams and groundwater. A great deal of time, money and effort have gone into preserving and maintaining our water, helping it to be fishable, swimmable and drinkable.

In general, this Act pinpointed the need to control point source discharge into waters and to preserve water quality levels that would protect fish and other wildlife as well as provide for recreation in and on the water wherever possible. As a result, miles of streams and acres of lakes in Illinois have seen great improvement in water quality. Now that point sources, such as industrial and municipal discharge pollution, have been largely controlled, non-point sources of pollution have taken center stage in the fight to maintain the integrity of our water resources.

Non-point source pollution is pollution that cannot be attributed to any one entity. This type of pollution occurs when precipitation (rain or snowmelt) runs over land and picks up pollutants such as oil from streets or parking lots, animal waste from farms or fertilizers from lawns, and deposits these pollutants into nearby lakes and streams. This type of "non-point" pollution is difficult to regulate and has become a focus for concern.

In recognition of the 30th anniversary of the Clean Water Act, governors throughout the nation, including Illinois Governor George Ryan, have proclaimed 2002 as the Year of Clean Water. Governor Ryan has also dedicated October as Clean Water Month. Many state agencies and national organizations are designing activities and displays to celebrate this milestone anniversary.

According to the official Year of Clean Water website, the commemoration of signing the Clean Water Act is a good way to express appreciation for our nation's water resources, observe improvements we have made in water quality, examine and understand our remaining challenges and solutions, emphasize public stewardship and support for watershed management programs and educate our nation's citizens, especially children.

One way that you can participate is to get involved with the National Water Monitoring Day (see related article). This activity is to be held on October 18, 2002, the actual anniversary date of the signing of the Clean Water Act. To find out more about local or national events, go to the Year of Clean Water website at www.yearofcleanwater.org.