September 1, 2005

The Department of Environmental Quality is pleased to announce the “Building Successful Wellhead Protection Programs: Past, Present, and Future” Conference, being held in Midland November 8-9. Sponsored by the DEQ, Michigan State University Institute of Water Research, American Water Works Association – Michigan Chapter, and the Michigan Rural Water Association, this statewide conference will offer the opportunity to learn about new techniques for protecting drinking water and to meet other individuals who are dedicated to protecting local sources of groundwater.

Community wellhead protection (WHP) programs are thriving across Michigan. At this two-day conference, participants will have the opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments of groundwater protection activities over the past decade and identify the challenges and opportunities that communities are facing as they work to update existing groundwater protection programs and implement new and innovative techniques. Specifically, the conference will provide an opportunity to learn about:

• Management options for WHP
• Motivating team members
• Local WHP initiatives
• Revitalizing existing WHP programs
• Education and outreach ideas
• State program updates

The conference is intended for local WHP leaders and team members, local governments, water supply operators, environmental consultants, groundwater technicians, and others interested in community groundwater protection issues.

The registration fee of $90 includes all conference materials; break, lunch, and hors d’oeuvres on Tuesday; and breaks and lunch on Wednesday. Single day registration is also available. The conference registration fee is a WHP grant-eligible activity. Individuals in the drinking water field may be awarded 0.9 DEQ advisory board-approved continuing education credits for attending the entire conference. Register online at www.iwr.msu.edu/wellhead. For registration information, contact Ruth Kline-Robach, MSU Institute of Water Research at 517-355-0224, or e-mail at kliner@msu.edu.

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

“Protecting Michigan’s Environment, Ensuring Michigan’s Future”

Revised September 1, 2005 by Pat Watson