Series of water testing workshops successfully concludes in Letcher County

Thirty people from nine counties in three different states came to Appalshop in Letcher County to learn how to do basic tests of local streams, to talk about water quality issues we face in the mountains, and to learn how to get involved with work organizations from around the region are doing related to clean water.

The water testing workshop, which was sponsored by members of the Letcher County chapter of KFTC, The STAY Project, and Headwaters, Inc., was the fourth in a series of workshops held around Eastern Kentucky. These workshops are part of KFTC’s ongoing Community Science and Public Health Project, which works to make the connection between our water and our health, and to build the case for clean water.

At the beginning of the workshop, there was a screening of the short film “Before It’s Too Late,” created by youth interns of Appalshop’s Appalachian Media Institute 2012 documentary program. The film highlights water quality issues in Letcher County communities and two of the film’s creators, Ellie Hogg and Jade Slone, were on hand to talk about the process of making the film and to answer questions.

After reviewing the basics of water testing, participants broke into groups and headed out into Letcher County to put what they learned into action. Groups tested the water at various locations in downtown Whitesburg, Cram Creek, and Crafts Colley. Data collected through water testing is then used to learn about the quality of our streams and is uploaded to a publicly accessible website that helps prioritize where additional lab tests are needed to address local pollution and health concerns.

In the afternoon, members from each of the workshop sponsors – KFTC, The STAY Project, and Headwaters, Inc. – talked about the work they’re doing around the region, how folks can get involved, and ways they’re organizing to address the issue of clean water.

“Organizing is talking to each other, learning together like this, and making things better for all of us,” said Katie Pirotina of Perry County. “Maybe people don’t know others care about our water. Some people might think they’re the only one. We need to find them. That’s why we’re here.”

If you have concerns about the quality of water in your area or have questions, please contact Jessie Skaggs at [email protected].