By Emily Steele
The Lumpkin Family Foundation has awarded University of Illinois Extension a $40,000 grant to improve water quality and protect local drinking water sources in Coles County. The funding will support a Watershed Stewards community education program and the distribution of native plant kits.
In two separate incidents in July, the drinking water in Mattoon was unavailable when water samples tested positive for high levels of a neurotoxin produced by harmful algal blooms. Protecting source water, or the lakes and reservoirs that supply drinking water, is essential to prevent problems before water reaches the tap, which is more cost-effective. Water quality is a pressing environmental issue with many statewide challenges – including supply, pollution, and flooding – that require collective action.
Source : illinois.edu