The Schuylkill Action Network, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, DEP and other agencies recognized six Southeastern Pennsylvania schools this week for developing environmental and educational projects that benefit the Schuylkill River watershed.

Each school was presented with the Schuylkill Action Network’s Source Water Protection Award as part of EPA’s celebration of National Drinking Water Week and the 30th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act.

The schools receiving the awards included: James Dobson Elementary School, Philadelphia, Candlebrook Elementary School, King of Prussia, Green Woods Charter School, Philadelphia, Souderton High School - Students Against Violating the Earth (SAVE), Souderton, Springside School – Philadelphia, and Ursinus College - Collegeville, Pa.

The awards were presented on behalf of the Schuylkill Action Network, which was formed in 2003 to create a team approach to cleaning up and protecting the Schuylkill River and its tributaries. Members include EPA, Department of Environmental Protection, Philadelphia Water Department, Delaware River Basin Commission; conservation districts, local, state and federal agencies, watershed organizations and other non-governmental organizations.

The award recipients for 2005 have implemented source water protection programs such as adopting a local stream, designing educational wetland areas, planting native species on streambanks to prevent erosion, designing stormwater retention basins, and teaching students and members of the community about protecting water quality.

Source water is untreated water from streams, rivers, lakes, or underground aquifers that is used to supply private wells and public drinking water. The Schuylkill River and its tributaries are an important source of drinking water and fish habitat.

NewsClip: Schuylkill Action Network Sponsors Drinking Water Conference

5/6/2005