Eco Iowa City Hosts "Troubled Waters" Documentary Tonight; Weekly Events Through October

From the City of Iowa City

ECO Iowa City is gearing up for more water-related educational events through the end of October. Each Wednesday night, an event will be held to teach about water and other environmental issues. 

Coming up Tonight:
"Troubled Waters" and the Effects of Climate Change on Health with Climate 911
Wednesday, September 18; 7:00 pm
Iowa City Public Library, Room A

"Troubled Waters" will examine the American Midwest that boasts some of the world's most productive farmland, but this bounty comes with a price. Excess nitrogen and phosphorous, fertilizers essential to the growth of plants, are contaminating the nation's rivers, lakes, aquifers and the Gulf of Mexico, at the same time as precious soils wash away. Produced by the University of Minnesota's Bell Museum of Natural History, "Troubled Waters" tells the story of changes on the land and the initiatives people are taking to ensure a more sustainable food production system. 

Climate 911 is a national group of doctors who educate about the health effects of climate change and advocate for healthy climate policy. Learn more at www.climate911.org.


What happens to the water we use? The down low on waste water treatment!
Wednesday, September 25; 7 p.m.
East Side Recycling Center, 2401 Scott Blvd SE

Join the City of Iowa City's Wastewater and Landfill Superintendent Dave Elias to learn about what happens to the water we use in our daily lives. Think about the water you use on a daily basis laundry water, dishwater, bathwater even toilet water! Learn how water is treated, about the City's current expansion of the south treatment plant and the decommissioning of the north plant, and what you can do to lessen your water use!

Stormwater management: what is it and why are we all talking about it?
Wednesday, October 2; 7:00 pm
East Side Recycling Center, 2401 Scott Blvd SE

So you've heard the term "stormwater management" thrown about a lot lately”especially in April and May this year when our watershed received a LOT of rain in a very short period of time. What does it really mean and why are we all hearing more about it? Join experts Wayne Peterson (Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship), Amy Bouska (Johnson County Soil and Water Conservation District), Kate Giannini (Johnson County), Carol Sweeting (City of Iowa City) and Amy Foster (City of Coralville) to learn about how Iowa's landscape has changed, why we have to manage stormwater and what resources are available locally to help you make a difference on your property.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour
Saturday, October 5, 8:30 a.m.
Coralville Wastewater Treatment Plant
750 22nd Street, Coralville

Join City of Coralville staff for a tour of the wastewater treatment plant to see first-hand how the water you use is cleaned. The tour is limited to 15 people please RSVP by contacting Jen at 319-887-6160 or jennifer-jordan@iowa-city.org. Please note: while we would like to accommodate everyone, the wastewater treatment plant has areas that are not ADA accessible. 

More events are scheduled for October: see a complete list at www.icgov.org/eco. Visit our Facebook page ("ECO Iowa City") or email jennifer-jordan@iowa-city.org to receive a weekly email about ECO Iowa City events. 

The main focus of ECO Iowa City is to help residents learn about environmental issues and take concrete steps to become more sustainable in their daily lives. ECO Iowa City will provide a series of events, programs, hands-on workshops, films, book recommendations and discussions, incentives and free resources and lots of opportunities (in person and online!) for fun and community-building.

Partners include the public libraries of Johnson County and dozens of local environmental groups. Citizens are invited to interact via a list serve that will provide tips, ideas and event information, on Facebook and in person at weekly events ranging from panel discussions to film showings to facility tours.