Introducing Iowa's Year of Water

Celebrating Iowa's Water: A Decade of Progress (1987-1997)

What is the Year of Water? Its our biggest water celebration in Iowa-ever!
The 1997 celebration called Year of Water is a statewide cooperative effort of government, business, nonprofit organizations, and citizens to recognize the voluntary water protection and enhancement activities that have taken place during the past 10 years. Many of these activities sprung out of Iowas Groundwater Protection Act; other efforts have come from nonprofit organizations, government, and concerned citizens.

Help us explore our past, highlight our present and plan our future in protecting our water resources.

The Year of Water will celebrate successful Iowa initiatives which have led to protection and enhancement of Iowa stream, lake, watershed, and groundwater resources. Through sharing of success stories, model programs, and educational efforts, Iowans will increase their awareness of and appreciation for our unique water resources.

The landmark Groundwater Protection Act became law on July 1, 1987, and established a framework for Iowa to address water contamination and to prevent pollution from a range of sources including agricultural activities, solid waste landfills, underground storage tanks, and commercial and household hazardous waste.

The goals of this celebration include:

to recognize the Iowa Legislature and Governor in passing and supporting the Groundwater Protection Act of 1987,
to recognize the accomplishments of Iowa citizens resulting from initiatives supported by the Act,
to maintain Iowans enthusiasm and support for water resources throughout Iowa by sharing water protection and enhancement success stories,
to raise awareness of Iowas unique water resources and motivate continued protection of these resources, and
to help identify future opportunities to protect and enhance our water resources.

Plan to Participate

If your organization, business, or community has been involved in protecting Iowas water resources, you are encouraged to participate in the Year of Water Celebration. Tell the state and your constituents how your efforts have made a difference!

We encourage you to:

build the Year of Water celebration theme into your conference and educational events occurring in 1997.
use the Year of Water logo and slogan in your print materials.
develop awards and recognition programs to thank Iowans who have successfully protected and enhanced Iowa water resources.
join with other Iowa organizations as a Year of Water supporter to show your pride in Iowas water protection efforts.
consider adapting successful models to your community or organization.

Clearinghouse for Sharing Information

A central clearinghouse for sharing information about events and activities organized during the 1997 Year of Water is sponsored by Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, one of the entities created by the Groundwater Protection Act. You can join with other Iowa agencies, organizations, cities, businesses, and schools in supporting this year-long celebration at the local and statewide levels.

Plans are currently underway for developing a kickoff event for early in 1997, a compendium of Iowa water protection success stories, and materials for use in regional and local events. If you or your organization would like to become involved in these activities, contact us!

By participating in the Year of Water celebration, you can show your commitment to water resource protection issues and leave a legacy of quality Iowa water for future generations. The success of this celebration depends upon your participation!

For more information, or to participate in the 1997 Year of Water campaign, contact:

Eldon C. Weber, Year of Water Coordinator
Iowa State University
217 Curtiss Hall
Ames, Iowa 50011
Phone: (515) 294-0893
FAX: (515) 294-0530
E-Mail: yearofwater@www.ag.iastate.edu

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Since Oct. 24 1997