July, the hottest month of this year witness the perseverance and diligence of CIE students who left their footprints around Yangling for cleanwater investigation. This is the field research designed to enrich the students’ professional knowledge and improve their comprehensive character. When highly involved in investigating the water resources quality and promoting the idea of environmental protection, they demonstrated to the local people their positive mental outlook, devoted and responsible to the social community affairs.

To experience is what the knowledge begins with and result from

The investigation group had familiarized themselves with the water quality test in terms of its methods, index and fundamentals. Their full understanding of evaluation system of water resources quality greatly enables the success of their field research by combining professional knowledge and practice. The validity of test result lies only on the accuracy of sampling site selection. Therefore, the group first investigated the distribution of living areas, factories and farms along the main local rivers. With the guidance of Associate Professor Zhang Xin from NWAFU, they worked out the electronic sampling site map.

Only when be at it, can we fully understand it. In Meixian, Wugong, Yangling and other local counties, the group took the samples from the typical water source sites labeled on the map. In case of the accuracy of test disturbed by the external noise, all the samples were stored in the portable tool-kit as soon as they were taken. Some samples were even tested on spot. The validity and reliability were guaranteed as the test was done with the national standard of water quality test criteria. 

Visiting the local villagers

To know about the attitudes of local people to utilization and protection of water resources, the group visited the villages around and conducted the questionnaire survey. In each village they visited, the group shared the test results with the members of village committees and put forward their suggestions to protect water resources. Their talk also helped the group get a rough idea of changes in local people’s life brought by environmental change.

Then the group dropped in some villagers from whom they received warm welcome. The hospitality of local people greatly motivated the students. When talking about protection of water resource, hygiene of drinking water and safety of river water, the visitors and hosts had a in-depth conversation of environmental protection.

The Cleanwater Investigation Group collected first-hand materials of water resources quality and promoted the idea of environmental protection in this activity. They also harvested rich experience in water resources protection and firm their belief of contributing to the social development.

talking with the local people about water quality


testing the water quality of Qishui River


promoting the idea of environmental protection
                                                          (Photos by: Lin Lixing; Translated by: Yan Xianhui)