How polluted is the Rock River? That's the question volunteers from a group called the Eagle View Water Sentinels is trying to answer as it samples rivers and streams in Illinois.
Kristen Bergren, from the Eagle View Group of the Sierra Club, says volunteers began sampling about 10 different streams last month.
The samples are then tested by volunteers in a lab at Augustana College, and eventually sent to the Illinois EPA.
The Eagle View Water Sentinels, a branch of the Eagle View Group, collects water samples from the Rock River every month, from March until November or December.
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How to volunteer and train
Anyone can volunteer to sample or test the water, and more information is on the Sierra Club's website.