How much are clean DC streams worth? UDC researchers need our help to figure out the answers.

Part of the restored Broad Branch Stream. (2017 photo, courtesy of Underwood & Associates)

We have an opportunity to assist UDC with some research on water quality and recreation in DC’s rivers and streams. Volunteers don’t have to conduct any water testing. And they don’t have to know anything at all about water quality.

What the researchers want are our perspectives on the value of these local assets based on how we use and enjoy them. They are inviting people from all eight wards to join a focus group discussion at 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 24th. Their findings could help shape environmental policies and improvements to our waterways, which need our help.

More information, including the location and RSVP contacts, are below.

Assessing the water quality and bacterial contamination in DC rivers and streams

The recreational uses of freshwater represent vital economic, social, and environmental assets in local communities across the United States, including in our own hometown of Washington DC. Yet the value of our rivers and streams is increasingly compromised by bacterial contamination from diverse anthropogenic sources. Protecting recreational uses of freshwater presents considerable challenges since their value is not properly represented in their various economic uses.

This study aims to evaluate the economic costs and benefits of adopting improved water quality standards for freshwater recreational use in the District of Columbia across its the 8 wards of the District of Columbia. To get a proper assessment of the value associated with improve water quality standards and therefore more comprehensive uses of our rivers and streams, we need to hear from you.

Please consider participating in a focus group conducted by Dr. Sabine O’Hara, a faculty member and former dean of the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability, and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) of the University of the District of Columbia. Your input will help shape future policies and improvements.

What to Expect
• 1-hour guided discussion
• Light refreshments provided
• The study was approved by the UDC Institutional Review Board and your privacy will be protected.

When & Where
• Thursday, April 24 at 5:00 PM
• UDC Van Ness, 4250 Connecticut Avenue (the Starbucks and MOM’s Organic Market building). Use the office building entrance by the passthrough to the Kiss and Ride – simply follow the metal ramp or the climb the steps. Once inside, take the elevator to the 5th floor multipurpose room.

Eligibility
• Must be 18+ years old
• Must be a DC resident or work in the District
• No prior knowledge about water quality is required

How to Participate
• If you are willing to participate, please contact Sabine O’Hara at [email protected] or Jaleel Shujath at [email protected], or call 215-932-9922.

We appreciate your interest!