When Water Works
Wisconsin Water Stewards program puts
water conservation strategies in action
By Deana Knuteson & Jed Colquhoun
40 POTATO GROWER | JANUARY 2019
Water is a critically important resource
in agro-ecosystems across the United
States, and water quantity and resource
availability are key areas of concern.
In Wisconsin, the water quantity
issue was tackled by a participatory
working group who worked together
to develop reasonable solutions for
the long-term viability of the resource.
This working group created sustainable
options by developing a grower-driven
program focused on water stewardship
ultimately called the Wisconsin Water
Stewards. The goal is to expand
educational programs that utilize
research-based knowledge and tools
to target agricultural water use and
allow farmers, local stakeholders and
consumers to more effectively balance
water conservation with sustainable
food production for their local
communities.
In 2016, the Wisconsin Water Stewards
began as a way to collaboratively
develop community-led solutions
for water quantity concerns, while
concurrently looking at options
to maintain water services in the
region. The results allow growers and
stakeholders the opportunity to deliver