Invitation to Submit Abstracts for Presentation

In partnership with Michigan State University’s Institute of Water Research, Michigan Rural Water Association and community partners, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) invites you to submit abstracts to present at the 2022 Source Water Protection Conference in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.  We are seeking speakers to share case studies, experiences or research related to source water protection (SWP). The theme of this year’s conference is “Water is Life.” Michigan’s freshwater resources are an invaluable asset and protecting these resources at the source is the first step in providing safe drinking water to our communities.

For decades, Michigan has supported and encouraged the development and implementation of SWP plans at the local level to protect public drinking water supplies from potential sources of contamination. Michigan has thousands of water supplies that provide drinking water to the public. Uncontaminated source water is the critical first step in supplying safe drinking water. This program and the plans created under it are a key mechanism with seven fundamental elements to help communities implement a source water management strategy, evaluate the risks to their source water, develop contingency plans for their supplies, and educate the public about the importance of source water protection. Additionally, EGLE offers grant assistance with matching funds to communities annually to support the development, implementation, and updating of SWP plans.

This conference is intended to help communities design and implement successful SWP programs. Participants may include community members hoping to begin a new SWP program or update an existing plan, or anyone interested in supporting local drinking water protection activities. Participants may include community water supply personnel, local officials, community representatives, local, state, and federal partners, academia, consultants, service providers, and those with an interest in source water protection.
Abstract Submission Guidelines

Interested presenters are invited to submit one or more abstracts for oral presentation.

Abstract submission deadline is MAY 28, 2022
Abstract Title: Limited to 12 words.
Abstract Length:  Limited to 500 words.
Presenting Author Biography:  Limited to 150 words.
Presentations should be at least 30 minutes, and not more than 45 minutes, in length.  Longer presentations should be submitted as two separate presentations of equal length (e.g., Part 1 and Part 2).

Conference sessions will include topic themes as shown below.  Please review the topics to consider the category where your presentation would best fit.  Authors may suggest additional topics that are not on the list, but they must fit a general topic area related to source water protection.

Acceptable presentation formats are PowerPoint (.ppt) or Adobe Acrobat (.pdf).  Presenters will be instructed on how to submit their presentation files, embedded video, and audio clips before the conference begins on October 12, 2022.  Presentations may, upon approval, be posted online for viewing after the conference.  There will be no written presentations or formal proceedings.

Authors of accepted abstracts will be notified by mid-July.  One complimentary conference registration will be provided per abstract accepted. 

SESSION TOPIC THEMES

Contaminant Sources and Risks to Sources
Emerging contaminants - Pharmaceuticals and personal care products, Microplastics, PFAS,1,4-Dioxane, Harmful cyanobacteria blooms, Geothermal Applications, Hydraulic Fracturing, Onsite Septage, Unlined Landfills, Groundwater Discharges, Storm water infiltration and groundwater protection, steps for conducting a contaminant source inventory

Contingencies and Planning
Aquifer Health, Sustainability, Ordinances, Planning and Zoning, Legal Perspective on the applicability of ordinances, Water Shortages, American Water Infrastructure Act Requirements, Managed Aquifer Recharge, Managing land uses for source water protection, intergovernmental cooperation and partnerships, working with agriculture, working with business and industry, incorporating SWP into existing programs.

Public Outreach and Education
Community engagement, social media tips, K-12 STEM programs, teambuilding for source water protection, evaluating public education programs; Risk Communication – Consumer Confidence reports

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