Government
Jesse Goldberg , consultant for the Reading Area Water Authority (RAWA) continues a conversation with Tami Shimp from Berks Nature about their clean water education partnership. Jesse says, “the biggest issue we have is to keep excessive nitrates out of the water supply. Nitrogen and phosphates from getting into the lake …. A lot comes from the farming community and from run-off from farms and could lead to substantial water issues” Berks Nature builds individual relationships with landowners to develop Best Management Practices. Some of these include installing cattle crossings over streams, putting up streamside fencing, installing manure storage pits and diverting clean rain water away from farms. Berks Nature makes money and resources available to help farmers develop Best Management Practices keeping nitrates from seeping into Lake Ontelaunee is imperative to keep our water clean and safe to drink.