A citizen science partnership between DCU’s Water Institute and the Nore River Catchment Trust was launched on Saturday 12th March at the River Erkina in Durrow, Co. Laois. 20 enthusiastic volunteers took part in a training day on water sampling which saw them learn how to test for nitrates, phosphates, and turbidity. These parameters will help establish the quality of the water in the Nore and its tributaries in rural parts of Laois, which are being studied in the Water Institute’s new project called Centennial. This project is supported by the DCU Educational Trust through the GLAS Communities Fund created by Rethink Ireland in partnership with Ornua Co-operative Limited and the Department of Rural and Community Development. The citizen scientists will test their local river or stream in Laois on a monthly basis for the next six months so that a picture of the health of the waterways can emerge. Our 20 volunteers were keen to learn new skills so that they could contribute to an overall understanding of the rivers within their communities, and also continue the excellent work being carried out by the Nore River Catchment Trust.
