The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) recently approved the Qualified Data Collector Guide, a water quality monitoring program created for the Grand Lake/Wabash River Watersheds. The plan involves qualified data collectors monitoring both physical and chemical attributes of waterways and using the information collected to study water quality over time. Monitoring the creeks, ditches, streams, and lake is vitally important in working to improve water quality. The goal is to have at least one monitoring site in each subwatershed to ensure a comprehensive study of the watershed.
A qualified data collector (QDC) is an individual who has been certified by OEPA to collect data. This data is then accepted by OEPA to show trends and changes in water quality. Individuals who participate in QDC monitoring must first go through a training session where they learn about credible data collection and how to properly use the equipment involved. At the completion of the training, participants are eligible to apply for Level 1 QDC status. As QDC’s gain experience, they will be able to apply for higher and more specialized status levels. The higher status levels allow QDC’s to perform more complex forms of data collection, which can be utilized for higher level reporting to OEPA.
The QDC’s of the GLWWA watersheds will begin monitoring sites throughout the area. As more people show an interest, the GLWWA will host another QDC training. If you have a site that you would like someone to monitor or you would like to do it yourself, please contact Watershed Coordinator Laura Walker at laura.walker[at]mercercountyohio.org, 419-586-3289 or 220 West Livingston St., Suite 1, Celina, Ohio, 45822.
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