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Sentinels Keep Tabs on Water Quality

By Eric Patterson, January '08
Treasurer
Taos Sierra Club

Water analysis The Sentinels – Rios de Taos volunteers continued their water monitoring activities on December 3, meeting with Abe Franklin from the New Mexico Environment Department’s Surface Water Quality Bureau and Rachel Conn from Amigos Bravos. Mr. Franklin demonstrated the proper technique for collecting water samples for E. coli analysis. The Sentinels then collected over 20 samples, which were analyzed by Mr. Franklin.

In addition to obtaining background levels near two proposed development sites, we found that the Village of Taos Ski Valley sewage treatment plant is doing a very good job, and that there appears to be a pollution source on the Rio Pueblo de Taos. We anticipate continuing to work with Mr. Franklin this winter to further identify pollution problems. For more information, contact Eric Patterson (575/776-2833, eepatt@gmail.com).

Rios de Taos volunteer Dorothy Wells collects a water sample from the Rio Fernando near a proposed development site. (Photo by Gary Grief )

Water Sentinels

For further information or to join our coalition, please contact Eric Patterson