Water conference on tap; coalition supports regional planning

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October 22, 2011

From staff reports news@joplinglobe.com The Joplin Globe Sat Oct 22, 2011, 05:56 PM CDT

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — A two-day conference highlighting the region’s water future will be held Nov. 17-18 at the University Plaza Hotel in Springfield.

The conference will provide a forum for discussion of water-supply issues affecting Southwest Missouri and nearby states, according to Gail Melgren, director of the Tri-State Water Resource Coalition.

By sharing information and supporting a regional planning effort, the coalition believes it can ensure adequate water supplies for generations to come, Melgren said in a prepared statement.

Among the topics to be discussed will be issues and trends in current water-resource planning, future population and demand needs, an overview of climate, and short- and mid-term solutions to water challenges for regional suppliers.

The conference also will examine federal and state programs for funding water infrastructure, and the legal and financial aspects of joint municipal utility commissions. Hydrofracking, an emerging demand on water supplies, will be a new topic for discussion.

The coalition will report on ongoing steps to develop regional water resources.

The coalition has been exploring an additional water source for Southwest Missouri in the wake of a 2002 study that determined that the area could face a water shortage during a severe drought if demand for water continues to increase. The study estimated that such a shortage might be only 15 years away.

Also on the agenda will be a report on the Joplin tornado, how it affected infrastructure and the steps that are being taken to rebuild.

The event is open to anyone who is concerned about water issues. Conference fees are $95 per person for two days and $65 per person for one day.

Professional development hours and certified operator credits from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources are available in connection with the conference.

To register, dial 417-836-6660 or 1-877-678-2005. Details are available from Cody Brewington by dialing 417-836-8974.

The annual conference is being sponsored by several municipal and corporate entities in Southwest Missouri. Among the sponsors in Joplin are Allgeier, Martin Consulting Engineers, the Empire District Electric Co., the Missouri-American Water Co., and the Joplin Business and Industrial Development Corp.

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Water conference on tap; coalition supports regional planning

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