Mission:

The ELANCO (Eastern Lancaster County) Source Water Collaborative is committed to protecting and improving water quality for current and future generations through a cooperative, proactive approach. Using the shared interests of public water suppliers, residents, businesses, private, non-profit, and governmental partners, the Collaborative promotes education and use of best management practices that preserve and support Eastern Lancaster County’s unique culture and strong economy.

Priorities:

Education & Outreach

youth water education enviroscape
Youth Education
  • Focus education on youth, including Plain Sect students, with a goal of reaching entire families
  • Understand best messaging and strategies for communicating with different stakeholders and community members

Agricultural Conservation Practices

no till farming practice
No Till Farming
  • Identify priority areas for conservation and willing landowners
  • Secure funding for implementation
  • Goal is to delist streams (surface water) and improve drinking water sources such as groundwater

Water Quality Monitoring

Stream Sampling for Lab Analysis
  • Conduct monitoring to assess whether water quality goals are being met
  • Translate results to stakeholders, partners, and funders

Partnerships

Outreach with Partners
  • Increase local involvement in the collaborative
  • Look beyond the ELANCO region to expand collaboratives
  • Expand to MS4 municipalities (focus: urban/suburban stormwater management)

Download our priorities document here.