CARBON GROUNDWATER: GUARDIANS RECOGNIZED NATIONALLY FOR FOURTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

CARBON GROUNDWATER: GUARDIANS RECOGNIZED NATIONALLY FOR FOURTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR
By Marigrace Heyer
The Times News COMMUNITY STORY, © 2003
October 8, 2003

More than four decades ago, a young John F. Kennedy called on the nation to conserve its water. Keeping it plentiful and pure was part of the future president’s campaign platform.

Today, the Carbon County Groundwater Guardians are continuing that objective with their efforts to conserve groundwater resources in the county.

Their stewardship of this important natural resource has been recognized every year since the organization’s inception by the Groundwater Foundation in Nebraska. This year’s National Groundwater Guardian Designation Ceremony was held in Las Vegas, Nev., in conjunction with the Groundwater Foundation’s National Conference.

To celebrate this exceptional accomplishment, the Carbon County Groundwater Guardians staged a celebration Monday evening at the Carbon County Environmental Education Center. In an informal atmosphere, the guests dined on pizza and snacks and for the most part, talked about groundwater issues.

So far this year, under the direction of president, Frank Waksmunski, the non-profit group has conducted well water testing at Carbon County high schools, produced a series of columns called “The Watering Whole,” which are published bi-weekly in the The Times News; maintained a web site; offered low-cost homeowners’ well water testing; sponsored an elementary school Groundwater Awareness Day, and endorsed household hazardous waste recycling and community outreach programs.

“Right now, while our program is extremely successful, we’re having trouble getting people interested in joining our group,” said Waksmunski.

New members are always welcome and can learn more about the group by calling the environmental center at 570 645-8597 or e-mailing him at: info@carbonwaters.org