 |
Update on Water Quality United States Department of Agriculture |
Progress Update #8—May 1991
- National Drinking Water Week
- USDA Targets Communities with WQ Information
National Drinking Water Week (NDWW), May 5–11, was a joint effort of public and private organizations, including the Cooperative Extension System. NDWW’s objective is to increase public awareness of drinking water issues and the benefits of safe drinking water. A NDWW resource packet, prepared by the Extension Service, USDA, Water Quality Initiative Team and the CES staff at Michigan State University, was recently distributed nationwide to all states and countries for community/consumer education and use. This year’s packet included the first Spanish-speaking factsheets on Water Quality issues. Copies of the packets were also sent to state Agriculture in the Classroom contacts. Requests for additional packers are now being filled, including a request from one state for materials for all secondary schools as part of their environmental and agriculture education programs.
- Other Education Activities
The ES–USDA Water Quality Initiative Team also developed a slide-tape and video presentation on the Agency’s Water Quality Initiative and the interrelationship of this initiative with USDA programs and the Presidential Initiative on WQ. As part of its joint Water Quality communications project with Michigan State University, the team also published a comprehensive Water Quality newsletter/tabloid highlighting Water Quality educational programs and activities nationwide. For single copies of the slide set, tabloid/newsletter, or National Drinking Water Week Packet contact Myra Jarrell, ES–USDA, Communications, Information, and Technology Staff, Rm. 3326–South Bldg., Washington, D.C. 20250; telephone: 202-447-6133.
- Nitrogen Action Plan
A Northeast regional research and Extension Committee (NEC-82) met recently to discuss the late spring soil nitrogen test in the Northeast Region. Last year, 20 percent of Connecticut farmers, 5 percent of Vermont producers, and 1,700 Pennsylvania farmers used the soil test. Results indicate about a third less nitrogen fertilizer use than previously.
Survey results indicate that farmers using the test had a high level of confidence in it. The main constraint to more widespread use of the test is lack of resources in the testing areas to increase farmer contacts. For additional information contact Clay Off, Environmental Protection Agency, 202-382-2300 or Francis Thicke, Extension Service, 202-447-5369.
- Water Quality Reports Focus on Cotton
Two new publications available from ERS are: “Cotton Agricultural Chemical Use and Farming Practices in 1989” ($4.00 per copy) and “Cotton Production and Water Quality” (single copies free.)
To order either of these publications call 1-800-999-6779 or write to: ERS–NASS, P.O. Box 1608, Rockville, MD 20849-1608.
