Fresh water resources are being depleted at a rate that exceeds the rate of natural replenishment through rainfall and snowmelt. Declining aquifers threaten reliable water supplies from wells. Seasonal low flows in rivers and streams harm aquatic habitat for endangered fish. Population growth magnifies these threats to the sustainability of water supplies for people and the environment.
On Wednesday, August 11, 2010, the League of Women Voters of Clallam County will sponsor the first of a series of forums on water issues in the Dungeness watershed.
The meeting will be held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 525 N. 5th Avenue in Sequim from 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Speakers at our first Water Forum include Amanda Cronin of the Washington Water Trust and water lawyer Shirley Nixon. Amanda will cover hydrology of the Dungeness River Basin, water use patterns and trends, and techniques for protecting instream flows – including acquisition of water rights. Shirley will cover “Water Law 101” with emphasis on the prior appropriation doctrine and how it interacts with reality in times of water scarcity.
Additional technical experts will be available to answer questions regarding water availability in the Dungeness River Basin and offer tools for what you can do to protect our existing water supplies and ensure a more sustainable water future.
The Water Forum will allow at least 30 minutes for questions and answers. Informational tables and displays containing more information will be available before and after the formal forum program.
CONTACT: Sonja Rotter
PHONE: 360/452-2413
Filed under: Puget Sound | Tagged: Puget Sound |
