Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers announced this week the release of the PA Watersheds Data System that will store water quality data collected by volunteer watershed monitors statewide.

The system is designed to place water quality monitoring groups in charge of their data, including whether they will store their data in it and who they will allow to see it once it is stored there. The system will also include thousands of records dating back to the early 1970’s can be made publicly available and help policymakers compare “before” and “after” conditions at affected streams.

“The PA Watersheds Data System will be both a repository for our data collection and a source of data for this type of critical research," explained Dr. Mel Zimmerman, Director of Clean Water Institute and Chair of Lycoming College Biology Department. "I am working with a consortium of educators (Susquehanna River Heartland Coalition for Environmental Studies) who are investigating the links between contaminants in the environment and human health. In addition to the eight college/universities, we are also collaborating with watershed organizations and the Geisinger Health System.”

“The PA Watersheds Data System represents an important step forward in Pennsylvania’s water resources management toolkit,” commented Department of Environmental Protection Deputy Secretary for Water Management, Cathleen Myers. “Among other things, it allows everyone to see where regular monitoring is taking place and where it may not be taking place. This will help governments and private citizens alike understand the condition of the environment as well as fill in gaps where information is lacking. DEP is a strong contributor to the project both financially and in terms of scientific expertise and we’re excited to see it come to fruition.”

For more information, visit the PA Watersheds Data System webpage.

12/16/2005