By Blake Jackson
The quality and accessibility of water are paramount concerns for all Wisconsin residents. Municipalities, farms, and businesses are actively adopting innovative technologies and practices to address water challenges and ensure a sustainable supply for future generations.
These advancements will be showcased during the 2024 Water Tours, scheduled for Tuesday, September 10th.
Hosted by Professional Dairy Producers (PDP), UW Discovery Farms, Wisconsin Counties Association, and Wisconsin Towns Association, the tours will provide attendees with a firsthand look at cutting-edge water conservation and management strategies.
The first stop will take participants to the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD), where they will witness the treatment of over 640 million gallons of wastewater daily.
Attendees will also learn about plans for a state-of-the-art clean-water lab that will test new filtration technologies, potentially leading to cost savings, increased energy production, reduced chemical usage, and fewer sewer overflows.
The second tour stop will offer an insider's perspective on modern dairy farming practices and their water conservation efforts.
Roden Echo Valley, LLC, a family-owned dairy farm near West Bend, Wisconsin, will showcase their innovative water recycling systems and sustainable farming methods.
Rick Roden, of Roden Echo Valley, emphasized the importance of water conservation, stating, "We work to keep our water as safe and healthy as possible. Planting cover crops helps us keep water clean because the living plant and root system hold the soil and nutrients in place."
The tour bus will depart from WisDOT Park & Ride 40-85 in River Hills, Wisconsin, at 9:15 a.m. and return by 4:00 p.m. The journey will include facilitated discussions with water quality experts, researchers, and other professionals.
Pre-registration is required, and space is limited. The registration fee of $49 covers bus travel, refreshments, and lunch. Up to 3.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) per tour are available from Dairy AdvanCE.
By highlighting these innovative practices and technologies, the 2024 Water Tours aim to inspire and educate attendees about the importance of water conservation and sustainable water management in Wisconsin. For more information visit https://pdpw.org/
Photo Credit: istock-dorin-s
Categories: Wisconsin, General