We
have four major program areas that we use to address water
quality problems.
Cleanups
CALPIRG Water Watch works
to remove trash and debris from riverbanks while raising community awareness
of local water quality issues through community waterway cleanups. Cleanups
deliver immediate results to the waterway, but also provide a hands-on opportunity
to engage volunteers in making a difference in their own community. Each year,
Water Watch staff recruit thousands of community volunteers and college students
to help organize and attend cleanups across the state.
Water
Monitoring
CALPIRG Water
Watch is dedicated to serving as the eyes and ears of local
waterways across the state. Water Watch staff at each site work
with volunteers, community organizations, and local and state
governments to provide much-needed research about the health
of our state's waterways. We recruit volunteers to collect samples
out in the field so that government programs can test for various
types of pollution. We also work to map local waterways and
identify sources of pollution.
Environmental
Education
CALPIRG Water Watch educates and trains college students, children, and community
members about the state of local water quality and the steps that people can
take to make an impact in their community. Water Watch staff and volunteers
organize campus and community-wide educational forums and conduct hands-on educational
programs for K-12 students.
Habitat
Restoration
Due to poor planning and development strategies, California has the second highest
number of endangered species in the United States, behind Hawaii. This is a
direct result of habitat loss. For many species, habitat loss has reduced their breeding and feeding grounds to one or two
small areas. CALPIRG Water Watch's habitat restoration program both maintains
and expands available wildlife habitat, through the removal of non-native species
from these important areas, the removal of trash, and taking part in coalitions
that influence future planning.
