By ALEX MALM

The University of Rhode Island Watershed Watch could use volunteers to help test water quality in Warwick and other communities.

“Having volunteers engaged in the process is so helpful,” said Elizabeth Herron, director of the URI program.

In Warwick, Herron pointed to Gorton Pond and Sand Pond as the two in the most desperate need of volunteer water quality monitors. She said Warwick Pond has had a longtime volunteer who is continuing to do it but, for Gorton and Sand Pond, volunteers are needed.

Herron said volunteers need a way to get out onto the water because they must take measurements at the deepest point, which is quite far from the shore. Herron said the volunteer needs to have some free time during the middle of the day to do the testing, but the day of the week is up to the volunteer.

“We need them to be doing that at midday when the sun is at its highest so we get the most consistent value,” said Herron.

One of the measurements the volunteers perform for water clarity requires lowering a device into the pond to see how deep it goes before they can’t see it anymore.

Herron said volunteers also measure the depth of the water, the amount of algae in the water and collect monthly samples that volunteers bring to the lab at URI to perform further tests.

Herron said those who help don’t have to be scientists, and instead residents who are interested in helping the community. She said the volunteers help more than just with the water testing.

“It also allows us to engage the public in a way that helps them to get a new appreciation and understanding of the ponds, and rivers and bay in our backyards that we all love so much but maybe don’t understand,” said Herron.

Herron said a group was recently formed called the Friends of Gorton Pond. Herron is hopeful that those interested in the pond will be willing to help out with the program.

“We're really trying to re-engage the community,” said Herron.

Herron said the Friends of Gorton Pond is interested in seeing if the beach can be reopened for swimming. Herron said testing the water there will help determine if that is possible or not.

The added bonus of volunteering, Herron said, is that volunteers learn about the different ponds and lakes.

“All the ponds in Warwick are absolutely fascinating; they are all a little bit different. For the area that they are in they are surprisingly deep, surprisingly rich ecology,” said Herron.

In Cranston volunteers are needed to help with Blackamore Pond, Meshanticut Lake, Pawtuxet River and Spectacle Pond.

For Johnston, Hawkins Pond (Res.), and Slack’s Reservoir need volunteer water quality monitors.

Because of the commitment involved with it, Herron said that it is encouraged to do the volunteering in teams or with partners so the weeks can be alternated.

Herron said that those who live on the ponds or lakes are especially encouraged to volunteer.

“They know the pond, they know their history, they know what happens on a day to day basis,” said Herron.

Those interested in volunteering can do so by visiting uri.edu/watershedwatch/.