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Hoosier Riverwatch



The State of Indiana, with a surface area of approximately 36,291 square miles, has approximately 6.4 million inhabitants. Although nearly 70 percent of the land in the state (16 million acres) is still devoted to agriculture, Indiana also has a diverse manufacturing economy. These economic pursuits (agricultural and industrial) in some way depend on or impact Indiana’s water resources. In addition, human activities have a significant impact on Indiana’s watersheds. Point and non-point source pollution, from various urban and agricultural practices, contribute to the problems that we face. The task of volunteer monitoring is to produce valid environmental data, which is needed to protect our watersheds and aquatic resources. Volunteer monitoring will also inform and engage the community in effective watershed stewardship. In addition, volunteer monitors build awareness of water quality issues, aquatic resources and pollution prevention.