 Our Stream Adoption program allows people and groups of all ages to adopt and monitor a local water body of their own choosing. The program provides a "ballpark" assessment of the waterway's health and serves as a screening tool for developing problems.
Data obtained by our volunteers is sent to the Citizens Monitoring Coordinator at the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC). If there is a water quality issue, DNREC has the resources to fully investigate the situation.
Visual Survey --- This is a check for litter, water discoloration, fish kills, and any other visible signs of pollution.
Macroinvertebrate Survey --- Macroinvertebrates are biological indicators of the overall quality of the waterway you are testing, and you will be checking for the presence or absence of key species. Click here for images.
Chemical Survey --- Tests for pH and dissolved oxygen content provide additional important information for water quality, and you will do the testing with easy to use kits.
The types and frequency of the surveys you do may vary, depending on the type of waterway you adopt and your personal interest and abilities. We are happy to accept any level of participation you are able to provide.
If you are interested in adopting a water body in your area, please feel free to download, print, and fill out this form:
Please feel free to contact us for additional information by phoning our office at 302-239-2334, extension 100, or by E-mail.
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