University of Virginia Library

environment

By MARY ANN HUEY

The quality of water in the
Charlottesville area is
deteriorating. Siltation from
construction and agriculture is
changing the bottom character
and carrying capacity of local
streams and lakes.

Our sewage treatment
plants are working at capacity,
yet students and citizens
continue wasting thousands of
gallons of water obvious to
the fact that all water that goes
down the drain must go
through the treatment process.
An organized combination of
education and action can
combat these problems
effectively.

Ralph Nader became
actively involved in water
pollution abatement in
response to requests for aid by
fisherman and outdoorsmen
who saw the direct effects of
rapidly declining water quality.

Campaign Clean Water is an
outgrowth of Mr. Nader's
attempts to mobilize citizen
action groups headed by
full-time professional staffs.
This professional corps
includes lawyers, economists,
biologists, engineers, and those
essential to an effective action
force.

Field representatives from
Mr. Nader's Washington offices
are working as group catalysts
all over the state of Virginia:
After several citizen groups
have been set up, their efforts
to solve water-related problems
will be coordinated by a
central staff, which will give
them an overall perspective on
the state of Virginia's
waterways. Groups will also be
notified of water bills before
the legislature.

For the past week, Kathy
Mathewson, a member of Mr.
Nader's staff, has been
studying and trying to assess
the basic water problems in
Charlottesville and the
surrounding area. Ms.
Mathewson and several
members of Nader's
Washington headquarters will
meet with local expertise and
concerned citizens tonight at
7:30 in room 4B of Newcomb
Hall.

You are urged to come,
listen, talk, and hopefully join
Campaign Clean Water. Help
the citizens of Charlottesville
in their efforts to curb water
pollution. It's the least you can
do.