G. Tracy Mehan III, a frequent contributor to WaterWired, executive director for government affairs at the American Water Works Association, sent me this article from the January/February 2021 issue of Opflow.It was written by Jerry Kuokol, a communications specialist at WaterOne in Lenexa, KS.
Download AWWA Opflow - RCPP Article - Jerry Koukol
Pasted below are the introductory paragraphs and then the concluding sections. Click on the graphics to enlarge or display them.
Kansas Water Partnership Tackles Harmful Algal Blooms
Harmful algal blooms have become an increasing concern in Milford Lake, which supplies drinking water for one-third of Kansas’ population. Stakeholders worked with agricultural producers to enact conservation practices to drive long-term improvements in the watershed’s health and the lake’s water quality.
With its blue skies, golden wheat, and intense sunsets, Kansas is full of vibrantcolor. The bright green water? Not so great.
On a hot August day on the shores of Milford Lake in north central Kansas, the waves lapping at the sand are a deep emerald hue. A closer look reveals oily film; foamy drifts; and a pungent, foul smell. The nutrient-rich water at this end of the lake is saturated with blue-green algae, which blooms explosively in Kansas’ hot summer conditions.
Harmful algal blooms (HABs)—and the microcystin toxins they produce—are an annual concern in a reservoir that supplies drinking water for one-third of the state’s population. Almost every summer for the past 10 years, HAB events have repeatedly shut down major parts of the lake.
However, thanks to a Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), increased funding and resources are available to address water quality concerns. The Milford Lake Watershed RCPP is the largest effort ever undertaken to implement HAB conservation practices. The project includes $2.8 million from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and is supported by a coalition of public and private partners hoping to make a difference in Milford Lake’s watershed.
Cutting to the chase...
A Model for Other Communities
Those involved in the Milford Lake Watershed RCPP are quick to recommend the program to communities seeking to make a difference in their own regional water quality.
“I would certainly encourage water utilities to take a look at the advantages that RCPPs can provide,” says Unruh. “Working collectively through these partnerships is an effective way to leverage resources from all partners involved with technical and financial assistance available through NRCS. This provides a great framework to utilize the Farm Bill to move the needle for source water protection.”
“Leveraging federal dollars is key to this program,” says Armstrong. “There are a lot of resources established by the Farm Bill. The matching fund model is an effective way for communities to stretch their dollar and leverage limited local and state resources toward addressing source water issues.”
Additionally, RCPPs are long-term endeavors and can become a platform for future conservation efforts.
“The idea is to demonstrate success with the program and then go on to replicate that success,” says Streeter. “There’s a huge amount of resources in the Farm Bill. If you’ve got an innovative solution; a strong, diverse coalition of partners; and leadership committed to steering the project, then you have a strong application for an RCPP. If you bring the NRCS in on day one to develop your RCPP, you’ll have laid the groundwork for a successful program.”
For RCPP partners, the project creates an opportunity for participating organizations to engage with partners they might not otherwise have the chance to network with.
“We’re establishing relationships with different stakeholders outside of our community, and it’s going to be easier to take on future problems with these relationships,” says Armstrong. “We see that as paying dividends for solving problems down the road.”
From WaterOne’s perspective, the partnership is a way for the water district to proactively address water quality.
“We’re beginning to understand that thinking beyond our service area is necessary for demonstrating utility leadership and responsibility,” says Armstrong. “Rather than sitting downstream and complaining about our problems, the RCPP is a way to take on a leadership role and work toward a collaborative solution. It goes a long way toward breaking down the us-versus-them mentality that’s so easy to fall into.”
Excellent tale!
Enjoy!
"The best way out is always through." - Robert Frost
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