After a brief hiatus, Safe Water Harpers Ferry is back!

Safe Water Harpers Ferry is the local program of Safe Water for West Virginia, a program designed to help utilities and communities protect drinking water sources. Here in Harpers Ferry, partners collaborate to help restore and protect Elks Run, the local watershed and drinking water supply of Harpers Ferry and Bolivar.

This year, Harpers Ferry is working to achieve the designation of a Source Water Protection Community. This designation, awarded by West Virginia Rivers Coalition, recognizes a community for implementing community-based solutions to protect drinking water supplies.

This past May, the Corporation of Harpers Ferry issued a mayoral proclamation for Drinking Water Week, formalizing the community’s emphasis on clean drinking water.

Over the next year, community projects will engage watershed residents in the stewardship of Elks Run. Activities will include a rain garden planting at Sam Michaels Park and tree plantings, as well as a community water celebration in 2023.

This fall, Elks Run Watershed Group is collaborating with the Eastern Panhandle Conservation District to offer a septic repair cost-share program. This program will reduce bacterial contamination in Elks Run, contributing to both a healthier watershed and cleaner drinking water supplies. If you live in the Elks Run Watershed and are interested in participating, you can find more information here.

In the meantime, sign up for the Elks Run newsletter to stay in the loop about future activities to engage with and protect your local watershed!