ERIE COUNTY WATER QUALITY COMMITTEE

	Meetings are open to the public!  Please Contact the Erie County Soil and Water Conservation District or Erie County Department of Environment and Planning for meeting information.

Water quality issues, particularly those concerning non-point pollution, are a great concern for people living in New York State. Government agencies, private sector groups, and the general public all have a stake in water quality. The citizens of New York State realize the importance of good quality water for economic, social, and environmental health.

The ECWQC was established in 1992 and is organized using the format from Guidelines for Establishing County Water Quality Strategies which was prepared by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee. Minimum contents of a County Water Quality Strategy as proposed by these guidelines are represented in Section F of the Erie County's Water Qaulity Strategy.

Erie County is rich in water quality organizations and activities. The purpose of this committee is to identify existing efforts, and make them known to each other, without adding another level of bureaucracy. The Committee members intend to maximize public efforts by various agencies and organizations and provide a resource that can adapt state and federal programs to local needs.

The ECWQC's interest is to protect and enhance Erie County's water resources for the improved health and welfare of the County and its citizens. Through teamwork, the ECWQC will act as an umbrella structure under which water quality issues affecting Erie County can be addressed. The ECWQC upholds a policy of open membership for interested organizations. The administrative core uses local agencies with experience in water quality issues.