Of the streams that Illinois EPA has assessed for water quality conditions from 2020–2022:
40% are too polluted to support aquatic life
62% are too polluted to support indigenous aquatic life
85% are too polluted to support swimming or direct human contact
100%. Yes, 100% are too polluted to support fish consumption
This is a startling headline, and a grim situation. Join The League of Women Voters of the Upper Mississippi River Region for a talk by Robert Hirschfeld, Director of Water Policy for the Prairie Rivers Network. Robert will describe the work that the PRN has begun with their Clean Water Forever campaign.
This campaign aims to change the way Illinois thinks about and cares for its water. Starting in southern Illinois and working their way north, PRN will support downstream communities by listening to their concerns and helping to identify and implement locally-informed solutions and financial resources. Through these efforts, PRN will support communities as they build climate resiliency and advance their vision for the future. Clean Water Forever starts with telling the truth about the water quality crisis in the Midwest and ends with finding long-term solutions to protect Illinois communities.
Click here to register for this webinar! All who register will be sent a link to the recorded video after the meeting.