Adopt-a-Site Program: Empowering Community Science
In our ongoing efforts to foster water literacy and community engagement, we’re excited to spotlight the recent success of our Adopt-a-Site Program. The Kew-Balmy group has been an incredible example of community initiative. This dedicated group of local cold-water enthusiasts has taken water quality monitoring into their own hands.
The Challenge of Water Monitoring
The Kew-Balmy Beach is a cherished spot for cold dipping. However, due to the proximity to the Ashbridges Bay water treatment plan, recreational water quality monitoring is needed more than ever. The halt of water quality reporting during the winter months left the group worried about the potential health risks that come along with high E.Coli levels. With a proactive spirit, they reached out for support so that they could continue enjoying this beloved spot, even in the colder months.
Kew-Balmy Takes Action
The Adopt-a-Site program offered a chance for this dedicated group to take their own action. By connecting with Swim Drink Fish, we were able to provide the necessary tools and training for the Kew-Balmy group to undertake their own water quality monitoring. This initiative is not just about filling data gaps during the offseason, it’s an exercise in community empowerment and water stewardship.
“As winter lake users, the most common question we get after, “Isn’t it freezing?”, is, “Isn’t it dirty?”! The Kew-Balmy Adopt-a-Site pilot is an attempt to respond to that question. Water sampling at this site enables data collection in a public, recreational, high-use setting - creating an opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn about monitoring the health of their water. Kew-Balmy is an increasingly popular winter dipping spot with more and more people in the water year-round, on a daily basis. The data can tell us more about E. Coli levels in the winter and the impact of stormwater runoff, litter, dog feces, etc.” - Paddi-Anne & Jane
The Impact of Grass Roots Efforts
Just seven months into their journey, the Key-Balmy group has not only gathered crucial water quality data but has underscored the power of community-driven stewardship and plays a critical role in enhancing our collective understanding of water quality issues. This group is a powerful testament to the role that community-driven initiatives play in environmental conservation and highlights the importance of taking action.
Adopt-a-Site Program
The aim of the Adopt-a-Site program is to expand our monitoring efforts by providing the tools and resources for community members to lead a “community site” for water monitoring.
Community Sites are water monitoring sites where local community groups carry out the collection of water quality data without Swim Drink Fish staff support during the monitoring work. Community sites exist in conjunction with local Swim Drink Fish hubs.
Who is this program suitable for?
Groups wishing to monitor the water at a location that is not currently monitored by public health units or any other monitoring bodies
Groups that can deliver samples to a Swim Drink Fish lab for processing and analyzing
Groups that are willing to commit to at least 3 months of monitoring at the same location
Groups interested in monitoring the water but have limited capacity to begin a program on their own
Join the Movement
The story of the Kew Balmy group is an open invitation for more communities to engage proactively with the health of their water bodies. Whether it's adopting a site, spreading awareness, or advocating for better policies, every action counts towards a healthier, more sustainable relationship with our water resources.
Let's take inspiration from the Kew Balmy group and work together to protect and preserve the places we know and love the most.
