Learn about critical water issues facing Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties

Pinellas County is launching a two-day program to educate community leaders, natural resource managers and decisions makers about critical water issues facing Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties.

The Tri-County Water School will be held at Brooker Creek Preserve on Tuesday, Sept. 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Wednesday, Sept. 12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The goal of the program is to encourage improved public policy decisions about various water issues by raising awareness of the impact on water quality and quantity in relation to concerns such as climate change and the connection between storm sewers, streams, lakes, estuaries and the ocean.

Water resources affect not only the availability of clean drinking water, but also agriculture, fisheries, aquatic life, recreation and the tourism industry. Water is a vital resource in need of protection for the health of Florida’s citizens and its economy.

“Everyone lives, works and plays in a watershed and things they do everyday can affect the health of these important resources,” said Sarah Malone, senior environmental specialist for the Watershed Management Division with Pinellas County Department of Environment and Infrastructure.

An interactive panel discussion will offer participants examples of how water conflicts have been addressed and managed and provide an increased knowledge of regional water supply and quality issues.

“The goal is to positively impact water policies or practices as a result of the information participants learn at Tri-County Water School,” said Lara Miller, natural resource agent with Pinellas County Extension.

“The challenge is to create effective and practical solutions to the regional water issues we face and understand the interconnectedness of these counties and their watersheds,” said Miller.

Improved understanding of watersheds and other factors impacting water quality and quantity is necessary for resolving water resource issues and developing sustainability strategies.

The Tri-County Water School is supported through the collaborative efforts of Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough extension offices. Brooker Creek Preserve is located at 3940 Keystone Road in Tarpon Springs. Registration information can be found at www.tricountywaterschool.eventbrite.com or by calling (727) 453-6905.

Pinellas County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this program, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. At least seven days prior to the class, please contact the Office of Human Rights, 400 S. Fort Harrison Ave., Suite 500, Clearwater, FL 33756, (727) 464-4062 (Voice/TDD).

For more information on Pinellas County services and programs, visit www.pinellascounty.org, now with LiveChat, or create a shortcut to www.pinellascounty.org/mobile on any smartphone. Pinellas County government is on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.