To the editor:

On March 13 I had the privilege of chairing the 2010 Clinton Water Forum at the Clinton Community Hall.

I am so grateful to everyone who gave up a beautiful Saturday to learn and to share their knowledge about water. The presenters were all incredibly well-informed, articulate and truly committed to the health of the environment. The audience participated with intelligent and insightful questions and comments. There were about 50 people in attendance for the morning sessions, including our county commissioner Helen Price Johnson and our Port Commissioner Curt Gordon. I want to thank everyone.

The discussion focused primarily on the personal: the importance of getting our wells tested and not using products that contain toxic ingredients. We listened, we talked and we had a hands-on workshop, making clean and safe household cleaning products (visit www.wastewise.wsu.edu for great information on this). We were reminded that by taking care of our personal environment and keeping our water clean, we protect our own health and the health of our children.

But we also talked about the bigger picture. We learned that depending on the permeability of the surface, what we put into our water today could be a contaminant for our great-grandchildren. And of course we were reminded that all water flows to the Sound, and so by taking care of ourselves, we take care of Puget Sound, as well.

What’s critical is that we all take what we have learned and share it with our friends and neighbors. Those of us who attended need to spread the word. There is more information about the forum on our Web site (clintoncommunityhall.org) and lots of excellent facts about what people can do to make a difference on the Puget Sound Starts Here Web site (www.pugetsoundstartshere.org).

Thanks so much to the Puget Sound Partnership for its support, and to all who helped make this a fabulous event.

Carol Flax

Clinton Progressive Association