Water Well Journal

April 2015

Water Well Journal

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WWJ: You met with the Western Governors' Associa- tion executive director in February and attended the WGA Drought Forum which NGWA co-sponsored in Las Vegas in December 2014 that focused on water supply management. What are your hopes for collaboaration between NGWA and WGA? Lauren: Many of the initiatives WGA is focused on for 2015 align with the priorities of NGWA, whether it's drought re- search or raising awareness of the role groundwater plays in supplying drinking water to states. WGA is widely respected by those in Washington, so the opportunity exists to call on them for support of key initiatives like the National Ground- Water Monitoring Network. WWJ: There will likely be multiple pieces of legisla- tion on the Waters of the United States Rule this year, attempting to impact the rule that is expected to be finalized in early summer. Is there any one part groundwater professionals should keep an eye on as this legislation moves forward? Lauren: The rule, as proposed, has limited impact on ground- water, since the rule pertains to "navigable" waters. However, the proposed rule is a lightning rod for politicians in 2015. It has polarized Congress, and several hearings have been held to allow Congress to express discontent with the proposal. We anticipate legislation and potential riders on appropriations bills to result. NGWA has been actively monitoring the issue throughout the year and will continue to do so in anticipation of a final rule sometime later this year. Twitter @WaterWellJournl WWJ April 2015 25 WWJ Get Involved Today Learn more about NGWA's government affairs program and how you can get involved by visiting www.NGWA.org/Advocacy -Awareness. This area of NGWA's website features all of the Association's position papers, information on current initiatives, Q&A's on important topics, and much more. It also provides information on how to became a part of the Standard Bearers' Grassroots Congressional Contact Network. These individuals contact legislators through a variety of meth- ods about issues that impact groundwater, its use, protection, and remediation. The website also features NGWA StateTrack, which enables you to see a summary of your state's regulatory and legislative issues that may impact the groundwater industry right around you. Check it out and get involved today! "Give a man a sh and you feed him for a day; teach a man to sh and you feed him for a lifetime," states the proverb. And the same can certainly be said regarding access to potable water supplies. In 2014, the Mzuzu University Centre of Excellence in Water and Sanitation, located in northern Malawi, became the rst educational and training program awarded a grant through NGWREF's Developing Nations Fund. The grant helped to fund training for drillers, pump installers, government employees, and students in the areas of proper well construction, ethics, drilling uid application, and project sustainability. Help those who help others. Donate today. NGWA.org/Give • 800 551.7379 • 614 898.7791 Helping others help themselves Operated by NGWA, NGWREF is a 501(c)(3) public foundation focused on conducting educational, research, and other charitable activities related to a broader public understanding of groundwater. Mike Price is the senior editor of Water Well Journal. In addition to his WWJ responsibilities, Price produces NGWA's newsletter and contributes to the Association's quarterly scientific publication. He can be reached at mprice@ngwa.org.

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