2nd National Extension Nat Res Conference-Abstract 32

Mark Walker, Department of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Nevada Cooperative Extension, 132 Fleischmann Agricultural Building, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557; 775.784.1938; mwalker@equinox.unr.edu; Marnee Benson, and Crystel Montecinos

The University of Nevada/Cooperative Extension has undertaken a project with the Nevada Bureau of Health Protection Services to develop a network of support for water suppliers. The project is aimed at creating strong partnerships between water supply managers and public organizations, to help them develop effective source water protection programs.

Recent amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act (1996) will place detailed information about finished drinking water quality directly in the hands of water consumers. Annual reports, issued by public water suppliers, will summarize results of required and optional water tests and will discuss potential sources of contamination that may be of concern. The content and wording of the reports are being determined by state agencies with primacy for meeting requirements put in place by the 1996 amendments.

Water supply managers, particularly those that oversee small- to medium-sized treatment plants, view the new requirements with some trepidation. If information about detected contaminants and potential sources of contamination is not presented carefully, the reports may provoke alarm. However, with proper support, the reports could also lead to positive, locally-supported efforts to protect water supplies. Although many water suppliers are skilled at public relations, especially with public entities such as boards of directors and town councils, most have neither the time nor the experience with responding effectively to a broad range of requests for information from the public.

Our program is working to meet the needs of water supply managers in several ways. First, we have consulted with managers of small- to medium-sized water supplies throughout the state to identify their needs. Second, based on identified needs, we have developed a source of information that can be obtained quickly by water supply managers to answer general questions about contaminants and sources of contamination. Third, we are using a web site as a means of unifying groups and agencies that offer support to water purveyors and water supply managers and providing a point of common contact.

The project depends upon a clear understanding of the working environments of water supply managers, especially those who serve relatively small populations (<10,000). It also relies on strong, flexible partnerships between the regulatory agency in charge of overseeing compliance with Safe Drinking Water Act requirements and public and private groups who support the water industry in Nevada.