Save The Sound Is Looking For A Few Good Water Sample Collectors

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Knowing whether the water quality at your favorite Long Island Sound beach is invaluable, but it takes a lot of work and Save the Sound could use a helping hand.

The group that provides a weekly water quality report during beach season is looking for a few additional volunteers to assist with the ongoing 2023 seasonal bacteria monitoring program.

Specifically, they are in need of people to collect water quality samples at locations in Rye, Port Chester, and Greenwich on Mondays and/or in Larchmont and Mamaroneck on Wednesdays. Both days would require availability from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., according to the group.

Interested candidates do not need previous experience but should have their own transportation.

Save the Sound collects and tests water quality from Greenwich through Westchester County, to Queens, and into Nassau County. Samples are analyzed for fecal indicator bacteria Enterococcus in brackish water and E. coli in fresh water, which are used to determine if waters are safe for swimming.

It doesn't take fieldwork to be part of the solution — Save the Sound offers a few simple actions that can make a big difference to the water quality.

• Everyone can help reduce sewage pollution sources simply by conserving water, which will lessen the wear-and-tear on our water infrastructure and reduce sewage overflows by lowering the volume of water in the system.
• Homeowners need to repair the sewer lines that connect homes and businesses to municipal sewers, or maintain their septic systems.
• Dog owners should put pet waste in the trash, never in a catch basin or on the street.
• Every community and homeowner should work on strategies like creating rain gardens to help reduce runoff.
• If you see sewage overflowing in your community, let Save the Sound know by sending a photograph or video plus the time and location of the overflow to this address.

You can apply for the volunteer opportunity by sending an email to this address.