water watch testing
Wild Alabama conducts water testing in partnership with Alabama Water Watch, using established scientific protocols to collect and record data such as water clarity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and other key indicators of stream health. This information is submitted to the Alabama Water Watch database, contributing to statewide efforts to better understand and protect Alabama’s freshwater resources.
Water testing is an important tool for understanding and protecting the health of our rivers, streams, and watersheds. By regularly monitoring water quality, we can track changes over time, identify potential problems early, and support science-based decisions that help protect wildlife habitat, recreation opportunities, and clean water for our communities.
Wild Alabama conducts water testing in partnership with Alabama Water Watch, using established scientific protocols to collect and record data such as water clarity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and other key indicators of stream health. This information is submitted to the Alabama Water Watch database, contributing to statewide efforts to better understand and protect Alabama’s freshwater resources.
The Bankhead National Forest is home to Alabama’s only designated Wild & Scenic River—the Sipsey Fork. Protected under the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act of 1968, this designation safeguards the river’s free-flowing character, ecological integrity, and outstanding recreational value. The Sipsey Fork earned its protected status through the Sipsey Wild & Scenic River and Alabama Wilderness Addition Act of 1988, recognizing it as one of the most exceptional natural and cultural waterways in the region.
​
This unique river system supports a rich aquatic ecosystem and provides critical habitat for several threatened and endangered species, including the Black Warrior Waterdog, Krall’s water plantain, and the flattened musk turtle.
​
To help protect these species and maintain healthy waterways, Wild Alabama conducts monthly water quality monitoring on the Sipsey Fork and its tributary, Brushy Creek. Wild Alabama has also expanded this program to include water testing sites in the Talladega National Forest, extending our water quality monitoring efforts to additional watersheds and strengthening protection for aquatic habitats across Alabama’s public lands.
This work is supported by River Network, a national organization dedicated to building a movement for clean and abundant water by empowering communities to protect and restore local waterways.
​
​
Get Involved
​
If you are interested in participating in water testing, please contact Jonathan Kelly at jonathan@wildal.org.
As a certified Alabama Water Watch trainer, Jonathan can help you get started and provide the training and resources needed to join this important conservation effort.
​​​
​
Alabama Water Watch is a citizen volunteer, water quality monitoring program covering all of the major river basins of the state. The mission of AWW is to improve both water quality and water policy through citizen monitoring and action. Established in 1992, AWW is a national model for citizen involvement in watershed stewardship, largely because of its three interrelated components: citizen monitoring groups, a university-based program, and a non-profit association. AWW uses EPA-approved monitoring plans with a community-based approach to train citizens to monitor conditions and trends of their local waterbodies. With a “data-to-action” focus, AWW helps volunteers collect, analyze, and understand their data to make positive impacts.