E-Water Newsletter - Fall 2001 Issue No.4

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From the Director

Claudio Stockle

T his is yet another issue of the newsletter of the Washington Water Research Center. This newsletter has been very well received in the region, providing an avenue for researchers, extension specialists, governmental and non-governmental organizations, decision makers, and the general public to express viewpoints and present their work on matters related to water. This time, I would like to bring to the attention of our readers an upcoming event that should be of great interest to all of us who care about water issues in the region. The Research and Extension Regional Water Quality Conference 2002 will be held in Vancouver, Washington, February 20 and 21, 2002. This is an excellent opportunity for research, extension, and agency personnel to exchange information on water quality issues that are important for the region. The main objective of the conference is to present current science and scientific advances as well as their application for technology transfer and outreach. Leading professionals from Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and other states will come together to debate the emerging water issues that will shape the future of the region and the nation. Many interesting papers have been already submitted for presentation, covering a wide range of topics related to water quality (drinking water and human health, animal waste management, pollution assessment and prevention, watershed management, nutrient and pesticide management, environmental restoration, water quantity/policy, emerging water quality/quantity issues). Opportunities for debate of significant issues will also be provided. You should mark your calendars now and plan to attend this important meeting.

Claudio O. Stöckle, WWRC Director

Irrigated cropland is more than twice as productive as rain-fed cropland. Among its environmental consequences, however, are several that may limit the agricultural sustainability of the irrigated land. These consequences may offset any benefits from additional land brought into irrigation in an attempt to meet the increasing world demand for food. It is more likely that increased food production will come through more efficient use of existing water supplies via improved water management.

Both runoff and groundwater flows contribute non-point pollutants to rivers. Naturally occurring dissolved chemicals that can serve as tracers for each flow pathway are being identified and tested in a project aimed at using them to help determine how agricultural chemicals get into streams. Early data suggest that pesticides such as lindane travel via surface runoff, while nitrate moves via both with a large contribution from groundwater. This project is the first comprehensive test of its type in the western U.S. for evaluating and quantifying tracers to identify watershed flowpaths.

The Center for Urban Water Resources Management identifies and addresses PNW research needs that center on water resources and land development. A representative project evaluated urban stream rehabilitation. It found that the prospects for stream rehabilitation indirectly correlate with the level of urbanization and cited the importance of public education and outreach, especially in highly developed watersheds.

Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington have formed a partnership to provide research-based information designed to help protect or restore the quality of water resources. The four states cooperative extension water quality programs will develop and coordinate regional efforts in conjunction with each state’s water resource research institute and the Region 10 EPA. Early objectives include the seven national themes established by the USDA: animal waste management, drinking water and human health, environmental restoration, nutrient and pesticide management, pollution assessment and prevention, watershed management, and water conservation and policy.

News

The Research and Extension Regional Water Quality Conference 2002 will be held in Vancouver, Washington, February 20 and 21, 2002. This is an excellent opportunity for research, extension, and agency personnel to exchange information on water quality issues that are important for the region. For details, please visit: http://www.swwrc.wsu.edu/conference/index.html

Washington Water Research Center

Director, Dr. Claudio O. Stöckle; Information Manager, Dr. Oumarou Badini; Administrative Assistant, Diane L. Weber; Web Designer, T. Scott Anderson

Phone: 509-335-5531

Fax: 509-335-1590

E-mail: watercenter@wsu.edu

Web: www.swwrc.wsu.edu

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