News

Uni includes citizens in study for more sustainable water governance

  • Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences (FHSE)
    University / Central Administration and Rectorate
    14 April 2021
  • Category
    Research, University
  • Topic
    Social Sciences

For the second edition of WaterBlitz Luxembourg, researchers at the University of Luxembourg and their partner Earthwatch invite residents to contribute to the analysis of fresh water in Luxembourg. WaterBlitz ’21 offers four days to test surface water and support research for more sustainable water governance.

During the weekend of 7 to 10 May, participants can test freshwater resources in Luxembourg such as rivers, ponds and lakes. The University and Earthwatch will provide participants with three tools: A water testing kit with information leaflet, the application FreshWater Watch to record the test results and the web platform, on which the data can be accessed.

With this event, researchers work towards a more sustainable water governance. “The WaterBlitz is already organised for the second time in Luxembourg. The event in 2019 motivated more than 80 volunteers to collect over 100 data points in about 50 fresh water surfaces,” explains Karl Pickar, the doctoral candidate leading the project. “This second WaterBlitz aims to enrich this database. Recurring data collection is important to identify changes and for a more detailed and reliable overview.” In addition, the WaterBlitz provides citizens with information about their local environment and empowers them to participate in research for more sustainable water governance.

How does it work?

Participants need to register on the webpage of Earthwatch until FreshWater Watchto receive their free water testing kit. The kit handout explains the data collection process in detail. Elements that are tested include nitrates and phosphates. For more information on freshwater ecosystems please visit the website of Tuesday 4 May .

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About WaterBlitz

The event is embedded in the project NEXUS CITIZEN SCIENCE (NCS) of the University of Luxembourg, led by Dr Ariane König. The NCS project aims to contribute to more sustainable water governance in Luxembourg, through citizen science and participatory water monitoring. The event is co-organised with Earthwatch, an international environmental charity with headquarters in the United Kingdom. The WaterBlitz is funded by the Royal Bank of Canada as part of its ongoing commitment to local water quality. It can be promoted with the hashtag #WaterBlitz.

© Photo: Earthwatch Institute