AZ Community Science Alliance welcomes Arizonans of all ages to get involved in protecting Arizona’s air, land and water

PHOENIX (Sept. 19, 2024) — Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) officials announced today the expansion of its award-winning community science program. ADEQ’s new AZ Community Science Alliance (AZCSA) is a groundbreaking initiative that invites Arizonans to actively protect the state’s unique landscapes, water resources and natural spaces. From testing water quality at local creeks and rivers, to wet-dry mapping, trash cleanups, air quality monitoring and more, AZCSA offers a wide range of hands-on activities that empower volunteers to make a tangible difference in safeguarding Arizona’s natural resources.

“Our new community science and education program marks a major milestone in our commitment to environmental stewardship,” said ADEQ Deputy Director Karen Peters. “By partnering with communities and volunteer groups across Arizona, we’re not only expanding our reach but also empowering individuals to make a real difference. This is about more than just data; it’s about working hand in hand with our communities to take meaningful actions that achieve real environmental results for Arizona.”

AZCSA is the first program of its kind among regulatory agencies in the nation and an innovative approach to support ADEQ’s mission to protect and enhance public health and the environment in Arizona. For the first time, ADEQ is combining and enhancing all of its community science programs into one unified effort. 

With Arizona’s vast 114,000 square miles and the challenge of monitoring its diverse ecosystems, ADEQ has been leveraging the power of community science since 2017, through its Arizona Water Watch. AZCSA builds on this foundation, bringing together volunteers, educators and communities statewide and has already attained remarkable results. Through the efforts of dedicated volunteers, thousands of credible environmental data records have been collected, enhancing our understanding of Arizona’s environmental health. Additionally, AZCSA volunteers have removed over 35 tons of trash and 54 pounds of human waste from Arizona’s waterways — making for cleaner, healthier waters and recreation areas and preserving Arizona’s natural beauty. 

“With the launch of the AZ Community Science Alliance, we’re not just introducing a new program; we’re setting a new standard for how communities come together to protect our environment,” said ADEQ Community Science and Education Coordinator Meghan Smart. “This initiative involves boots on the ground scientific work and problem-solving blended with education and hands-on data collection. We couldn’t achieve any of our goals without our incredible volunteers. They are the heart of our program, and their dedication to protecting our state is truly inspiring.”

AZCSA also promises significant cost savings for ADEQ, with volunteer efforts already estimated to have saved the state more than $5 million.

"Every time I step into the water to volunteer, I know I’m contributing to something bigger,” said Friends of Sonoita Creek President and AZ Community Science Alliance volunteer Robert Proctor. “Seeing how the water quality data we collect leads to real changes in protecting our environment is incredibly rewarding. It feels good to know that our work is making a difference, not just for us, but for future generations of Arizonans too.”

To learn more about ADEQ’s award-winning AZCSA and get involved:

• Visit the AZ Community Science Alliance Webpage | Visit > 
• Watch the video selected by the Environmental Council of the States for its 2024 State Innovation Award | Watch Video >

Contact

ADEQ Public Information Officer
Ph: 602-540-8072
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