Clean, abundant water is a valuable resource for all Hoosiers. Whether as a source for drinking water, water for business and industry or for recreation, it is irreplaceable. And again this year, a number of Hoosiers will become trained to help monitor this precious resource.

Hoosier Riverwatch, a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) education program, is planning a series of workshops around the state to train people to monitor local streams and rivers.

The next volunteer stream-monitoring workshop will be held in Fishers on August 13. The training is free, but class size is limited. Persons interested in participating must make a prior reservation.

"By learning the basics of stream monitoring, participants can launch a lifelong passion that not only benefits the environment, but also can be personally fulfilling," said Kyle Hupfer, DNR director. "If we’re to protect this crucial natural resource into the future, we need to foster an understanding and appreciation for conservation that will sustain us for generations to come."

The water quality monitoring training workshop will be Saturday, August 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The workshop will provide general education in water quality issues and hands-on training in monitoring the health of rivers and streams through physical, chemical, and biological testing.

After completion of the training, volunteers can perform stream testing for a wide variety of possible pollutants. They then submit their data to a statewide volunteer monitoring database that makes the information available to anyone.

"The training is for anyone interested in learning about water quality and gaining hands-on experience in monitoring rivers and streams," said Lyn Crighton, Hoosier Riverwatch coordinator. "People interested in the environment, especially educators, are invited to attend."

Hoosier Riverwatch, sponsored by the DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife, is a statewide education program that focuses on local river and stream stewardship. To date, nearly 3,800 people have participated in the program. Check out www.HoosierRiverwatch.com to find water quality data collected by volunteers who have completed the program and to discover where monitoring has taken place.

"The Riverwatch monitoring program fits easily into elementary, middle and high school classes, including biology, chemistry, math, language arts, and social studies," Crighton said. The program has been correlated to Indiana state standards for science at both the middle school and high school levels. Teachers can obtain 3 Certification Renewal Units for attendance.

For reservations, specific location and directions, contact Danesa Stolz with Fishers Parks and Recreation at stolzd@fishers.in.us or 317/595-3458.

People interested in learning more about the Riverwatch program can point their Web browsers to www.riverwatch.in.gov.