Center for the Inland Bays Joins Delaware Conservation Leaders to Launch Clean Water Campaign

Rehoboth Beach, DE:  “Although Delaware’s Inland Bays have long been recognized as waters of exceptional recreational and ecological significance, water quality is still a concern because the Bays continue to receive nutrient pollution from a variety of sources like wastewater and fertilizers, said Chris Bason, Executive Director of the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays in Rehoboth Beach.”

“It is for this reason that the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays has joined an alliance of conservation groups to announce The Clean Water Campaign: Delaware’s Clear Choice,” according to Bason.

Delaware Nature Society, the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary and Delaware Center for the Inland Bays will lead the campaign’s efforts to educate outdoor enthusiasts about the importance of investing in programs that will remove toxins from Delaware’s waterways, improve the water we drink and protect parks, open spaces, farms and wetlands.  

Brenna Goggin, Advocacy Manager for Delaware Nature Society said, “We are at a critical juncture where an investment in Delaware’s waterways now can result in a cleaner environment, improved economy and increased tourism for years to come.  Delaware has come a long way in the last 40 years, but we can do so much more.”

Delawareans believe its residents and government can work together to improve the quality of our water. According to a recent poll, 82% of Delawareans believe the pollution problem in Delaware’s waterways can be improved and think the State of Delaware can do more.  By a 25 point margin, respondents said they would support a clean water fee.

“The health of rivers like the Delaware River has improved so much in recent decades because of efforts by so many people and communities.  Now is the time to carefully and thoughtfully invest in clean water.” said Jen Adkins, Executive Director, Partnership for the Delaware Estuary.  

“We can and should do everything we can to ensure that our Inland Bays fully meet all of our goals for swimming, fishing, and other forms of recreation; not only for us but for our children and grandchildren,” said Bason.

The Clean Water Alliance will be educating outdoor enthusiasts — including hunters, fishermen, birdwatchers, and all residents that enjoy outdoors by giving presentations around the state, meeting with stakeholders, participating in events, launching a social media campaign and hosting a rally on June 2, 2015 at Legislative Hall in Dover.

About the Clean Water Alliance

The Delaware Clean Water Alliance is a broad-based coalition of organizations and stakeholders across the state working to illustrate the importance of securing funding for clean water.  The mission is to improve the quality of Delaware’s waterways and water treatment infrastructure to ensure a healthier environment and economy.  The partners believe that securing funding for clean water can lead to a cleaner environment, healthier crops and food sources, improved economy, and increased tourism.  

The Delaware Center for the Inland Bays is a non-profit organization. With its many partners, the CIB conducts public outreach and education, develops and implements restoration projects, encourages scientific inquiry, and sponsors research.  For more information, or to learn how you can support this important work call visit our website at www.inlandbays.org.

Posted Under: PRESS RELEASE