The American Water Works Association (AWWA) has recognized the Tahoe Water Suppliers Association (TWSA) with the coveted 2020 Exemplary Source Water Protection Award. TWSA demonstrated the highest level of protection and preservation of the Lake Tahoe watershed, the region’s primary water source for residents.
“The TWSA members and staff are so incredibly excited to receive this North American award. It’s a testament to the collaborative work and long-term investments being done by so many agencies with the common goal of protecting Tahoe’s watershed. Tahoe’s high-quality tap water is directly supported by these efforts.”
– Madonna Dunbar, resource conservationist for the Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID) and executive director for TWSA.
The Exemplary Source Water Protection Award is based on the criteria set forth in the AWWA standard for source water protection. Source water protection is a highly site-specific process that reflects the inherent diversity of natural waters and the areas from which they are derived. Consequently, successful source water protection programs may vary widely in their details; but it is a premise of this standard that successful programs share several fundamental elements.
TWSA’s source water quality goals are clarity and exceptional water quality. Source water challenges include stormwater runoff, urban development, air quality, and erosion. The organization’s Watershed Control Program focuses on education, monitoring, data management, regulation, mapping, administration, water conservation, and water rights.
The mission of the TWSA is to develop, implement and maintain an effective watershed control program in order to satisfy recommendations in watershed sanitary surveys, advocate for the protection of Lake Tahoe as a viable source of drinking water, and to satisfy additional state and federal requirements,” added Dunbar.
Lake Tahoe is one of the deepest and clearest lakes in the world and a popular destination for recreation, tourism, and homeownership. Together, TWSA agencies serve fewer than 50,000 residents year-round, but during peak tourism, the population increases to more than 100,000.
IVGID is one of 12 municipal Lake Tahoe water agencies that make up the TWSA and serves as the association’s host site. There is no application cost to submit a nomination for the Exemplary Source Water Protection Award. For more information, please visit https://www.awwa.org/Membership-Volunteering/Awards/Exemplary-Source-Water-Protection-Award.
Lastly, in honor of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, several Lake Tahoe organizations have scheduled virtual activities throughout the week. For more information on how to participate, please visit TakeCareTahoe.com or TahoeFund.org.
About Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID)
Incline Village General Improvement District is charged with providing water, sewer, trash, and recreation services for the communities of Incline Village and Crystal Bay in Washoe County, Nevada. IVGID is governed by an elected board of trustees, which sets policy and determines strategies for enhancing the community as an excellent place to live, work, recreate, visit and invest
