Linda Arnade read a newspaper article about the threat septic tanks pose to our drinking water. Shocked by the thought that she could be drinking contaminated water, Linda set out to determine if the problem was real. “Over 70,000 people in my community rely on drinking-water wells and septic tanks,” she explained. “I knew that if people were consuming contaminated ground water, this could lead to illness or even death.”

While a student at Palm Bay High School in Melbourne, Florida, Linda researched the issue and then recruited volunteers to help her obtain well-water samples. Over 400 residential wells were tested. Results showed that wells near septic tanks did, indeed, contain high levels of bacteria and other contaminants.

Linda then launched an education and monitoring program to alert the public to this important health and environmental risk. Her findings were presented to government officials, who soon implemented stricter regulations on wells and septic tanks. Her findings were also published in a scientific journal. In addition, Linda delivered presentations to national environmental associations and other groups. She produced educational literature and taught children at a summer science camp about the problems. She helped organize an ongoing water-monitoring program to guard against future contamination.

Linda became a recipient of The Prudential Spirit of Community Award honoring America’s Top Ten Youth Volunteers for the year 2000.
(Palm Bay, Florida: 1997)

Story Courtesy of Prudential Spirit of Community Awards 2000