Water quality is one of the most important environmental issues facing Iowa today. But understanding the many different issues and aspects involved in it can be difficult.
Quad Citians have a rare opportunity to learn more and have their questions answered at the March 21st Water Summit: An Environmental Event Focusing on Iowa’s Water Quality. Hosted by Davenport SCENE, the event will be held in the Davenport West High School Auditorium, 1 – 3 p.m., and is free to the public.
A panel of five experts from the agricultural community, local and state government, and private business has been selected to lead the discussion and answer questions. All five are intimately involved in issues dealing with water quality across the state of Iowa.
Attendees to the event will increase their understanding of water issues, and learn how Iowans can respond to improve and protect our water quality.
The panelists include:
Sean McMahon, Executive Director of the Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance (IAWA). The IAWA is a nonprofit organization committed to advancing the success of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy by increasing farmer awareness of the initiative and their adoption of science-based practices proven to have quantifiable environmental benefits. It was created and is funded by the Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Soybean Association and Iowa Pork Producers Association.
As executive director, McMahon works to champion farmer adoption and engagement in conservation and production practices for continuous improvement of nutrient management and water quality.
Randy Moore, President, Iowa American Water Company and Member of the EPA’s National Drinking Water Advisory Council (NDWAC). Iowa American Water is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing water services to approximately 195,000 people. In his role, Moore works to strengthen customer, regulatory and local government relationships, drives operational and financial results and is the principal external contact for American Water in Iowa.
NDWAC provides practical and independent advice to the U.S. EPA on matters and policies related to drinking water, including regulations and guidance required by the Safe Drinking Water Act. The council may also propose actions to encourage cooperation and communication on drinking water quality among the EPA and other governmental agencies, interested groups, the public and technical associations and organizations.
Dr. Mary Skopec, Senior Research Scientist for the Water Monitoring and Assessment Section (WMAS) at the Iowa Department of Natural Resources/Geological Survey Bureau (GSB) and Coordinator of the IOWATER Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program. At the GSB, she has worked on a variety of water quality projects including the development of a statewide database to track pesticide occurrences in Iowa’s water resources. Dr. Skopec currently coordinates the WMAS analyses of data from the statewide Ambient Water Monitoring Program.
IOWATER is a project of Iowa’s Department of Natural Resources. It trains volunteers to conduct basic water chemical, physical and biological measurements. Its mission is to protect and improve Iowa’s water quality by raising citizen awareness about Iowa’s watersheds, supporting and encouraging the growth and networking of Iowa’s volunteer water monitoring communities, and promoting water monitoring activities as a means of assessing and understanding Iowa’s aquatic resources.
Bill Stowe, CEO and General Manager of Des Moines Water Works (DMWW). Stowe has served in his current position since 2012. His previous positions include Assistant Manager-Public Works/Engineering for the City of Des Moines, Human Resources Director for the City of Des Moines, Operations Manager for MidAmerican Energy, as well as an analyst for Shell Oil, labor relations representative for Inland Steel Industries and a field examiner for the National Labor Relations Board.
Dr. Franics Thicke, Owner/Operator of Radiance Dairy and member of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). An organic farmer for more than 30 years, Dr. Thicke currently operates an 80-cow, certified organic dairy in Fairfield, producing milk, cream, yogurt and cheese for sale at local grocery stores and restaurants. He has been active in many organic and environmental organizations including the Iowa Environmental Protection Commission, the Leopold Group Sierra Club in Southeast Iowa, Food Democracy Now, the Organic Farming Research Foundation and the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service.
NOSB is a Federal Advisory Committee whose members are appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. The NOSB advises USDA on which substances should be allowed or prohibited in organic farming and processing, based on criteria under the Organic Foods Production Act. As a member of NOSB, Dr. Thicke also serves on its Environmentalist/Resource Conservationists Subcommittee.
Davenport SCENE (Sustainable City Empowered Network for Education) is supported by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Davenport SCENE is a unique partnership of several local agencies including Eastern Iowa Community Colleges/Scott Community College Library and the college’s Advanced Technology Environmental and Energy Center, Figge Art Museum, Davenport Public Library, Nahant Marsh Educational Center, Quad Cities Food Hub, Junior Achievement, Living Lands and Waters, and River Music Experience.
The goal of the partnership is to advance the science and information literacy of Davenport residents of all ages regarding environmental sustainability and energy efficiency in order to move Davenport toward becoming a sustainable city.
For more information call 563-441-4150.
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