function $(id) {
		return document.getElementById(id);
	}

	function validate(formName) {
		valid = true;
		var emailFilter=/^.+@.+\..{2,6}$/;

		if (formName == "waterway_update") {
		  if ($("name").value == "") { alert("Please enter your name"); valid=false; }
		  if (!(emailFilter.test($("email").value))) {
		    alert("Please enter a valid email address");
		    valid=false; 
		  }
		  if ($("title").value == "") { alert("Please enter a title for the waterway update"); valid=false; }
		  if ($("update").value == "") { alert("Please enter your waterway update"); valid=false; }
		  if ($("tag").value == "0") { alert("Please choose a region"); valid=false; }
        }

		return valid;
	}