Local watershed employees kicked off another initiative Tuesday to highlight water quality and recreation on the Cedar River and local waterways.

Tim Ruzek and James Fett of the Cedar River Watershed District presented “Water Quality — Reviving Our River” at the Austin Public Library, the first in a series of presentations in what locals hope to deem Waterways Awareness and Appreciation Month. Fett’s presentation showed that the Cedar River still doesn’t meet some of the state’s water quality standards and experiences spikes at certain times of the year, but he added some people may have some misconceptions about the water itself. While it’s not safe to ingest the water, Fett assured listeners the river is safe for canoeing and swimming, and anglers can eat fish in moderate amounts.

Ruzek reviewed statistics from the past two years’ Adopt-a-River program, which the CRWD borrowed from the DNR and employed locally to get people to clear trash from the river. Volunteerism within the initiative grew in the first two years and could expand again in 2013.

Even the presentation itself made something clear: Locals are doing more to highlight the area’s water. The CRWD has partnered with the Vision 2020 Waterways committee for more presentations on June 13, 18, 20 and 26, and hopes to continue progressing with other projects.

Look to Sunday’s Spotlight section in the Herald for more about the CRWD, Vision 2020 Waterways and their efforts to beautify the watershed.

Look for a full story on the waterways presentation and upcoming presentations in Sunday’s Spotlight section and online Sunday.