Water Watch

"About twenty people have recently begun their training as new Water Watchers," reported Steve Johnson. He is a member of the Lake Wylie Covekeepers, a group of trained volunteers who work under the Catawba River Foundation and patrol the lake regularly. Members come from York, Gaston and Mecklenburg counties.

The participants in the Water Watchers program care greatly about Lake Wylie and the Catawba River, but have limited time to give. They will aid in protecting the lake by reporting problems to the Covekeepers, who can take action. More assistance is needed. "We especially need people in the Steele Creek area of Mecklenburg County and the Belmont area of Gaston county. The Water Watchers can help fill the gaps - helping keep track of shorelines, feeder streams, and conditions in the surrounding areas," Johnson said.

Events in the neighborhoods are sometimes critical to the lake's health as well. The Water Watchers will look out for construction sites, sewage spills, road construction, and other events that may affect the waterways leading to the lake.

There will be three more training sessions, and there is still time to get involved. The volunteers will then work according to their schedules. For more information, see Lake Wylie Water Watchers. To get involved, contact Johnson at 803-389-3871 or Ellen Goff at eog9612@aol.com.