People need clean drinking water—this simple truth is the inspiration behind all that is done at the Source Water Collaborative. Through the individual and collective efforts of its members and their extensive network of community partners, the Source Water Collaborative is acting to protect sources of drinking water because it is fundamental to the health and well-being of our nation.
The SWC’s first Accomplishments Report showcases how our approach, founded on the notion that coordinated actions among diverse partners is the surest way to increase the chances for success, is creating change in local communities. In this report, we invite you to explore a sampling of the Collaborative’s efforts from the past year and to join us in celebrating 10 years of achievement in source water collaboration. You may also find an introduction to our new website and a summary of the projects taking place in 2016, a few of which are currently underway, such as this Innovation Challenge.
The work the Collaborative and its member organizations do far exceeds the capacity of this report to tell the story. In the words of the Steering Committee co-chairs, “In the following pages, you will find a sampling of our various individual and collaborative efforts. While compiling stories for this report, we were at once impressed by the wide range of projects and partners, and reminded that source water protection indeed takes many forms, is best achieved collaboratively, and, despite the many challenges, is something that anyone can–and should–do. As you read these pages, we hope that you share in our sense of accomplishment. But we also challenge you to give pause and think creatively about what your organization and community can do to advance source water protection.”
We encourage you to visit our About Us page to access member websites where you can explore these initiatives. We hope that you take inspiration from these stories as we have, and find the opportunity to champion clean, safe drinking water in your communities. Source water protection ultimately relies on individual acts of stewardship. Thank you for all that you have already done and will do to protect sources of drinking water.