Origin Story 

Walker Area Water Watch began with a question many local residents have asked: What is really in the water we use and enjoy? Future coordinator Andrew shares the moment that moved him from concern to action.

By Andrew Shea, future Coordinator for Walker Area Water Watch

Amid the buzz of celebrity arrival in Walker County in the form of one McConaughey and his entourage, I got a phone call. The infamous Blackwater, which was to be included among the filming locations, was no longer being used for as many scenes as planned. No Matthew.

The reason was something that began to plague my thoughts and ignite action in this citizen scientist: E. coli—doo-doo water—at levels the production considered unsafe for filming would keep all celebrities from entering the waters I call home. I had paddled the creek just days before, swum in its currents, and eaten from the bounty of life seemingly thriving in this habitat. I was shocked. Appalled. How could this happen? Who was responsible? Did anyone else know about this?

In a fit of frustration, I searched for information and found little to no readily available data regarding the safety of the many creeks and rivers surrounding me. I began independently testing multiple sites on the creek, including one in front of our family home, and consistently found levels far above what the EPA considers safe for recreation.

I had reached the limit of what I could do as one independent citizen. This required organization, collaboration, and a public presentation of information that should be available to anyone. As a matter of public safety, protection of our natural resources, and the hope for a more informed future, I present to you . . . WAWW.