Water Infrastructure 101: What You Need to Know Below and Beyond Library Discussions

About the Program

Category: Libraries (Best in Category)

Year: 2020

Abstract Aging infrastructure has become a major issue in Oakland County and reflects what counties nationally are confronting: the dilemma of replacing, upgrading, and repairing current infrastructure ranging from roads to bridges. The Oakland County Water Resources Office (WRC) has been bringing the issue of aging water infrastructure to the forefront by creating a series of library discussions where the public can learn about this critical quality of life issue. In 2018, the Oakland County WRC sought to engage libraries to achieve community goals of educating the public about water infrastructure through public outreach, and by utilizing the county library system to empower the public to teach them about the least known infrastructure—water. Oakland County WRC introduced the program entitled, “Water Infrastructure 101: What You Need to Know Below and Beyond” Library Discussion series. Many local libraries have embraced and have helped shape the discussions to represent water concerns of their residents and community leaders. The libraries have helped promote and market the program which continues in 2020. Achieving the purpose of creating public awareness about water, sewer, environmental and policy issues, with involvement of close to 30+ libraries have generated public interests and dialogue.