AWW Office Operations
As a precautionary measure, the Alabama Water Watch Program Office is closed to visitors until further notice. Daily operations are taking place, but the AWW staff is working remotely much of the time in accordance with Auburn University’s modified operations plan, which has been extended to October 10, 2020.
Current Monitors
Please note that monitors in need of recertification have been given an extension of their certifications through the Fall. They will be permitted to enter data.
Current monitors can continue to monitor water as long as they abide by all safety guidelines and requirements. Each monitor has a unique situation related to where they monitor, and with whom they monitor. Please use the following resources to make the best decision for your situation, and don’t hesitate to contact AWW if in doubt.
- Auburn University’s COVID-19 Information website
- Alabama Cooperative Extension System resources
- Center for Disease Control – Water Transmission and COVID-19
- Office of the Governor – COVID-19 Updates
Data Entry
If you enter data online, your experience will be no different than before COVID-19. AWW is regularly processing and updating data. Please note that mail is being delivered to the office; however, any data forms sent by mail will take longer than normal to be processed. As a precaution, keep copies of data forms you send through the mail. Enter data online or send through email if possible.
Sharing Monitoring Equipment
If you share equipment with other monitors, please take precautions when meeting up to exchange equipment (use a mask, maintain social distance). Additionally, you will need to follow AWW’s guidance for sanitizing equipment.
Equipment Check-Out
If you need to pick up monitoring equipment or other materials from the AWW Office, please contact us to make arrangements.
Monitoring Site Access
It is possible that some public recreation areas are now closed to the public. The Alabama State Parks and National Forests of Alabama have listed current closings on their websites. Check with local officials about any parks or recreational areas in your communities.
USDA Forest Service Closed Areas
Training Opportunities
Currently, AWW is not offering face-to-face workshops. AWW is reviewing the Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s newly released COVID-19 Face-to-Face Programming Policy and determining how to move forward in coming weeks. As training opportunities develop, updates will be posted here and on the AWW Workshop Registration Page
If you are interested in being trained, please complete this short questionnaire with your information, and we will contact you when opportunities are available.
https://auburn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_af1oUBNMF0YIfJz
Current Educational Opportunities
AWW has several upcoming opportunities for Virtual Learning related to water quality and water monitoring. Click the links below for more information and to register.
August 19, 12-1pm – Data Tools Webinar Series – Intermediate
September 2, 12-1pm – Data Tools Webinar Series – Advanced
September 16, 12-1pm – Data Tools Webinar Series – Advanced Map Tools and Layers
Contacting AWW
You can reach AWW Staff by email and phone during regular office hours, 8:00am-5:00pm. If you call, leave a detailed voicemail including your name and phone number. AWW Staff will receive all voicemails through email and will return your call.
Hi Jo Ellen, we ask that monitors take precautions while monitoring their sites, and consider their personal health when deciding whether or not they would like to monitor during this time. We just posted and update regarding potential risks with monitoring http://wp.auburn.edu/aww/covid-19-water-monitoring-concerns/ that will provide more information. Please contact our office at awwprog@auburn.edu if you have any questions or need assistance.
Should we still do our monthly water testing?