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Water quality forum set Oct. 2

11:06 a.m., Sept. 17, 2003--The public forum on water quality—“Land Use Change and Water Quality: Assessing the Impacts and Planning for the Future”—will be held from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 2, at Clayton Hall. University researchers and state government officials will address concerns relating to changes in land use in the First State over the past 25 years and its impact on Delaware’s water resources.

Presentations by experts, panel discussions and public debate for the all-day event will address challenges to Delaware’s water quality; local perspectives on land use; and how land use affects Delaware’s waterways and drinking water.

Common problems are agricultural runoff from pesticides, fertilizers and manure. Urban and suburban runoff include oil, car fluids, and lawn and garden chemicals. Also under discussion will be a list of priorities and strategies to protect First State water sources.

Lee Ann Walling, deputy director/special adviser to Gov. Ruth Ann Minner, in the Delaware Economic Development office, is the luncheon keynote speaker. The forum is sponsored by the Delaware Water Resources Center, the UD Institute for Public Administration, the UD Water Resources Agency, the Delaware Geological Survey, the Center for the Inland Bays and the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.

Open to the public, the forum gives citizens an opportunity to discuss Delaware’s water-quality challenges with elected officials and scientists. The cost is $15, which includes lunch and refreshments; students and seniors, however, may register free of charge. Registration is required, and the deadline for registration is Tuesday, Sept. 30.

To register or for more information, visit [www.wr.udel.edu/publicservice/WaterForum03Home.html].