RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 17, 2020
Title
RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners recognizing World Water Monitoring Day and the Blessing of the Waters in Blue Island, Illinois
Body
WHEREAS, September 18th is recognized internationally as World Water Monitoring Day. Established in 2003, World Water Monitoring Day focuses on raising public awareness regarding the health of water resources and encourages monitoring of local water systems; and
WHEREAS, educational events for World Water Monitoring Day are held annually from March 22nd through December 31st. One of the traditional events includes testing local bodies of water to determine if the water meets basic parameters as established by water regulation agencies and comparing previous results; and
WHEREAS, World Water Monitoring Day motivates individuals, organizations, and businesses to invest in ensuring a healthy water environment. It seeks to implore people to understand how the health of the water system impacts the everyday world that we live in; and
WHEREAS, more than 780 million people lack access to safe water around the world. Since the creation of World Water Monitoring Day, more than 80,000 people have participated in various events in 50 countries worldwide, increasing both awareness and survival; and
WHEREAS, in 2006, sensing the need to emphasize protecting the health of the water systems in Cook County, citizens from Blue Island and the Beverly neighborhood united with others from the far South Side in recognition of the importance of our local waterways; and
WHEREAS, since that time, it has become an annual tradition to gather at the Cal Sag Channel in Blue Island to encourage public awareness and involvement. This year’s gathering on September 20th marks the 14th annual ceremony; and
WHEREAS, it is of critical importance that people understand, recognize, and commit to the safety of the planet. While water is an abundant resource, clean water is an endangered one. Thus, events such as the Blessing of the Waters in Blue Island is instrumental in the fight to mobilize the world; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, on behalf of ourselves and staff, do hereby recognize the celebration of World Water Monitoring Day and the Blessing of the Waters in Blue Island, Illinois; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread upon the permanent Record of Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and that a copy of same, suitably engrossed, be presented to Tom Shepherd.
Dated: September 17, 2020