Modesto Bee will gather experts to give answers on Valley water-quality questions
The Modesto Bee and the Merced Sun-Star will host a water-quality forum next month in partnership with Stanislaus County Environmental Resources, Valley Water Collaborative, Valley Improvement Projects, West Modesto Community Collaborative and the State Water Board.
The event will be Thursday, June 11, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the West Modesto Southern Baptist Church.
The forum will be an opportunity for community members to learn about water quality in the county and what steps can be taken to improve access to clean water. Panelists will discuss domestic wells, small water systems and municipal water systems as they relate to common groundwater contaminants including nitrate, legacy pesticides and heavy metals.
The Bee’s civics and democracy reporter, Kathleen Quinn, will present reporting about groundwater quality in the Central Valley and observations on what is common in groundwater in Stanislaus County. The focus will be on small water systems like those found in Knights Ferry and Crows Landing and domestic wells common in unincorporated rural areas.
Rachel Riess, a senior inspector for Stanislaus County Environmental Resources and another member of the county’s Water Team will discuss the county’s role in enforcing water quality standards. Additionally, a representative from the State Water Board will explain when and where the board steps in to assist water systems and funding for cleaner water.
Valley Water Collaborative CEO Maureen Thompson will discuss the water testing and replacement program that their organization offers.
The Merced Sun-Star’s Aysha Pettigrew will moderate and direct questions to the panelists best prepared to answer them.
Valley Improvement Projects co-founder Thomas Helme will take in feedback from residents.
The event will include Spanish translations and refreshments. To submit questions to be answered at the forum, please register in English or Spanish. For those unable to attend in person, the event will be livestreamed and recorded.
