Last month, I had the opportunity to visit cities across the country as we officially launched the 2015 EarthEcho World Water Monitoring Challenge. Throughout the launch week we met with students from Los Angeles, Dallas, D.C., and New York, as they learned the importance of protecting their water resources. We visited the challenged Los Angeles and Anacostia Rivers and a restored area of the Trinity River, a drinking water source for many in the Dallas area. At each of these locations, students tested the water and engaged with their local waterways. For some, it was the first visit to these local rivers; for others, it was the first visit that prompted them to really think about the importance these waterways play in their lives.

Each of us has a responsibility to learn about and protect our local waterways. The World Water Monitoring Challenge is the perfect tool to help you take that first step. Participating in World Water Monitoring Challenge is simple:

• Order you test kit - Visit www.monitorwater.org to order your low-cost water quality monitoring kit, in an individual or classroom size. Each kit comes equipped with enough reagents to complete 50 tests, so you can use your kit all season long.
• Test your water - Find a local stream, river, lake, pond, bay, or even ocean, and head outdoors! Instructions for how to use the test kits are included and video demos can be found on our YouTube page.
• Share your results - Upload your results right on site using our new Android App or visit app.monitorwater.org to upload your data from another smartphone, tablet, or computer.
• Protect your local waterways - Take action to keep your local waterways healthy, or clean up ones that aren’t. There are ideas and guides to get started at monitorwater.org.

Water is a central part of our everyday lives.  With all that we are hearing in the news today about the water restrictions in California and the anticipated droughts, there is no better time than Earth Month to take action. The EarthEcho World Water Monitoring Challenge provides resources and tools to help each of us understand and protect the water resources we all depend on for our health and wellbeing. Take the Challenge.

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