The Water Blitz project aims to obtain a high-resolution overview of the water quality in rivers, lakes and streams throughout Luxembourg Shutterstock

The Water Blitz project aims to obtain a high-resolution overview of the water quality in rivers, lakes and streams throughout Luxembourg Shutterstock

It is no longer solely the role of organizations and scientists to monitor the effects of man-made activities on fresh water or protect the biological condition of fresh-water resources. Everyone is involved in this global fight that would have lasting effects on fresh water eco systems for generations to come if left unattended.

In Luxembourg, Water Blitz is part of the University of Luxembourg’s Nexus Citizen Project, a joint citizen science project encouraging data collection involving citizens. The first edition, held in 2019, saw over 80 volunteers source information on about 100 data points in around 50 freshwater surfaces. Participants at “freshwater watch” are provided with essential tools such as testing kits and handouts explaining the data collection process in detail. Some of the elements tested are nitrate and phosphate levels that cause algae and certain plant species to grow rapidly, decreasing the oxygen levels available, reducing biodiversity, and even worse, triggering the death of fish in large quantities. The data collected is then analysed and shared on the freshwater watch application and on the website.

Some of the interesting results from the first edition revealed that Luxembourg had the least litter, although it was still at 8 percent, and also that high nutrient concentration levels were observed in populated areas such as Luxembourg city.

The second edition of Water Blitz, scheduled for between 20 and 23 September, aims to enrich the data base from 2019 and by calling upon citizens to contribute to obtaining a high-resolution overview of the water quality in rivers, lakes and streams throughout Luxembourg, and also promote the overall well-being of the environment and, by extension, biodiversity.

Financial support for the Water Blitz project is provided by the Royal Bank of Canada and participants are advised to register by September 15 in order to receive free water testing kits. In addition, participants will be provided detailed information about their immediate environment and the organisers say they will be able to take pride in knowing that their efforts will promote new knowledge for decision making at multiple levels.