Water Quality Monitoring by Citizens along Yodo River

The Lake Biwa and Yodo River Water System is the primary source of drinking water for more than 14 million people and home to a variety of aquatic life. Recently, however, its water quality has been seriously affected by increased urban development, the extent of which is no longer negligible, even upstream. To determine the cause of this pollution and restore health to the region's environment, a group of citizens set up the Yodogawa River System Water Quality Research in 1994, a self-motivated civic group that monitors the water quality of the system. Group members develop individual monitoring plans, promote implementation and collect data for use in improving water quality.

These activities include monitoring the effects of domestic waste water, factory effluent and discharge from golf courses, livestock facilities and dams on river water. The results were compiled into reports and made public in meetings for local citizens. Such information is also being used in discussions with local authorities and in proposals over water quality issues. In addition, the group holds workshops and study camps for citizens and students, aiming to foster individuals who can act with environmental awareness.



Posted: 2007/03/28 02:34:06 PM
Japanese version