New public awareness initiative advances water protection in Wisconsin

Three Wisconsin non-profit organizations launched a new public awareness campaign ­­– It’s Your Water, Wisconsin – encouraging individuals and groups to serve as advocates for water protection in the state. Started by the Central Sands Water Action Coalition, River Alliance of Wisconsin, and Wisconsin Lakes, the campaign aims to create connections between the network of people, businesses and organizations working on water-related issues in Wisconsin – from groundwater to polluted runoff to shore land development to drinking water.

“When it comes to our water, we’re all upstream and downstream from one another – we’re truly all in this together,” says Allison Werner, River Alliance of Wisconsin, speaking on behalf of the three groups leading the initiative. “We felt a critical need to start a conversation that avoids divisive rhetoric and instead underscores the importance of balanced and reasonable use of our shared water resources for everyone.”

It’s Your Water, Wisconsin sets forth a declaration of principles for water in Wisconsin and asks citizens, groups, businesses and organizations to complete a brief online form to express their support. The declaration of principles states:

• Every single person in Wisconsin requires and deserves safe, clean drinking water.
• Wisconsin’s water belongs to everyone. There should be no conflict between business needs and public needs.
• With diverse landscapes and natural resources, local governments and constituents must have a role in creating and implementing policies to protect the unique waters in their jurisdictions appropriately.
• Clean and plentiful water that supports a healthy habitat for fisheries, wildlife, residents and visitors is essential for a strong tourism industry and a vital economy in Wisconsin.