Minnesota is a source water state: all the water we drink falls here. Recent high-profile incidents in other states and policy battles here in Minnesota are bringing increased public attention to the importance of protecting drinking water sources, and ensuring that access is sustainable and equitable. Join Environmental Initiative to discuss the challenges and unique opportunities we have in Minnesota to manage agricultural and urban lands in ways that more fully recognize and account for the impact of land use decisions on water quality and public health.

We will discuss the importance of protecting drinking water as a more cost-effective approach to water quality than treating contaminated water supplies or switching drinking water sources. This forum will also explore current source water protection initiatives here in Minnesota and nationally, and the potential for a new statewide partnership to protect source waters throughout Minnesota. Participants will have the opportunity to hear from a number of cross-sector experts:

-Rick Biske, The Nature Conservancy
-Dr. Kate Brauman, Global Water Initiative at the Institute on the Environment, University of Minnesota
-Laura DeBeer, Pipestone County Soil and Water Conservation District
-Tannie Eshenauer, Minnesota Department of Health
-Deirdre Mason, Association of State Drinking Water Administrators
-Aaron Meyer, Minnesota Rural Water Association
-Doug Rainforth, City of Fairmont
-More to be announced

The event will take place at Plymouth Creek Center on December 18 from 1:00 to 4:30. For more information, including the most updated speaker list and how to register, please visit our website.