PUBLIC EDUCATION
Water users and watershed stakeholders have a strong concern for public education and
information about the maintenance of water quality and use of potential water contaminants.
Water users are concerned that city and rural residents are not fully aware of water quality
risks such as fertilizers and pesticides associated with lawn maintenance, petroleum product
handling and disposal, and the installation and use of home septic systems. All residences in
the watershed use home, on-site, septic systems. Concern for public education is based on the
concept that awareness will lead to improved management of potential contaminants and reduced
water quality risks.
Farmers and farm owners expressed a need for additional information and educational activities
concerning the water quality risks involved in crop and livestock production. They expressed a
need for technology transfer to farmers from University and private industry research and
development It was also recognized that some landowners and urban residents do not realize that
most soil conservation practices also work as water quality practices.
Specific concerns were expressed for education and information about storing, handling, and
using household and agricultural pesticides; use of lawn, garden and agricultural fertilizers;
impacts of watershed activities on Higginsville City Lake water quality; and a general
understanding of the water cycle, water quality standards, and the relationship between human
health and water quality.
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