1.  Clean water for every household

Problem:  The community demands clean, safe water delivered to every individual household.  Currently, residents are facing contamination in the water supply due to outdated infrastructure and pollution in the water sources. 

Desired Solution: The community is advocating for either the installation of a filtration treatment plant, connecting to neighboring water company lines, flushing out the contaminates pipes or drilling new wells to access cleaner, better-quality water. 

What it Takes: Significant investment in infrastructure, partnership with neighboring water providers, regulatory approvals, and proper management of public health standards. Continued community involvement and technical expertise are required to implement and maintain clean water systems. 

2:  Government Oversight and Accountability.

Problem: There is a lack of sufficient monitoring and enforcement by key agencies such as: IDEM, the EPA, and local health and safety officials regarding the water quality delivers by South Lawrence Water Utilities. (SLW).

Desired Solution: IDEM must hold SLW to regulated standards with regular audits and enforcement.  The EPA needs to recognize manganese as a health threat at elevated levels and take steps to mitigate them. 

Local government officials should step in to provide necessary grants for improvements and ensure SLW is held accountable for past mistakes.  

What it takes: Increased collaboration between local and federal agencies, stronger regulatory actions, and consistent follow-up on water quality and safety. 

3. Financial and Operational Transparency for SLW. 

Problem:  SLW operated as a non-profit cooperative, but its management practices have been criticized for lack of transparency.  South Lawrence Water Utilities misreports financials, hides salaries and perks, and does not post by-laws or disclose current board members.  This raises concerns about how funds are being allocated and whether the community's health and safety are being prioritized. 

Desired Solution: SLW must be audited from a business standpoint and not by their hired auditor. Clear financial reporting, transparency in salary and benefits for board members and public access to SLW's by-laws and board member information. 

SLW must operate as a well-managed cooperative, accountable to both its members and the residents it serves.

What it takes: Hiring and independent auditor, legal and regulatory oversight, and improvements in SLW's governance practices.  The board must align with business best practices and prioritize ethical Mangement and transparency. 

By addressing these three core areas-clean water access, stronger government oversight and financial transparency, South Lawrence Water can work towards a healthier, more sustainable water utility system by allowing us as members of SLW, to have safe drinking water.