Environmental Services
Stream Monitoring Program Recognized
The Arlington County Stream Monitoring Program has been awarded a Special Recognition Award for service to the community in 2010. The award cites the stream monitoring programs efforts during the past ten years in helping to assess the health and water quality of Arlington's local streams. This program is an important part of the County’s watershed and stormwater programs. The data from the stream monitoring program is used to track changes in water quality as a result of the County’s environmental programs, such as stream restoration projects. Stream monitors have also helped to identify and report stream pollution incidents as well. Four times per year, stream monitor volunteers sample the streams in Arlington, collecting aquatic insects that live under rocks along the bottom of the stream. By examining and counting the types of insects found in a stream, we can learn about the water quality in that stream. The data from the stream monitoring program is reported to the State of Virginia as part of the County’s annual stormwater program report, and helps the County comply with environmental requirements. The award will be presented at the Annual Volunteer Appreciation Celebration Sunday, April 10. For more information about the reception and volunteer opportunities in Arlington, visit Volunteer Arlington. |  |
| Thanks to all the dedicated stream monitors in Arlington who help keep an eye on our local streams! | County Board Chair Chris Zimmerman presents the award to stream monitors Ruth Gibbons and Bekbulat Abylgazin, with DES program manager Aileen Winquist. |
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Stream monitor volunteers braving the winter cold to sample the water quality in Windy Run Stream.
| Stream monitors gather around the sample tubs to see what organisms were collected from the stream. |
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| A net spinning caddisfly that was found on a rock in Donaldson Run stream. Many stream insects are found attached to the bottom of rocks in the stream. | A small minnow mayfly, which is found in many Arlington streams during the warmer months of the year. |
STREAM MONITORING
