Major Milestones to be Discussed at Annual Regional Water Conference in Springfield

Leaders and stakeholders from across the region will gather in Springfield Sept. 29 for the annual Southwest Missouri Regional Water Conference, themed “Water -What Do You See?”

The conference will bring together water providers, municipalities, organizations and other stakeholders to discuss water resources and the region’s efforts to develop a reliable, long-term water supply. The conference theme highlights the different perspectives and priorities that shape water planning and management across Southwest Missouri.

The conference is a collaborative effort of Southwest Missouri Water, including the Tri-State Water Coalition, the SWMO Joint Municipal Water Utility Commission) and Missouri State University. It will be held at the Darr Agricultural Center, 2401 S. Kansas Expressway.

A reliable and affordable water supply is essential to quality of life and economic development throughout the region. This year’s conference follows several significant developments in Southwest Missouri’s long-term water supply planning, including a contract with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers securing rights to water storage in Stockton Lake. The storage is expected to meet approximately two-thirds of the region’s projected water needs through 2060.

The region also reached a funding agreement with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to cover half the cost of the water storage. The agreements represent milestones in a more than 20-year cooperative process to establish additional sources of water for Southwest Missouri.

The conference will address evolving challenges and considerations in regional water planning, including competing priorities, changing federal priorities, stakeholder involvement and next steps in implementing the region’s long-term water supply strategy. Sessions also will examine water issues associated with data centers and other economic growth, drought resilience, the value of investment in water infrastructure and regional collaboration.

“Water matters because people matter,” said Roddy Rogers. “Now is the time to work together as a region to address long-term water supply and its impact on individual communities. Working together allows us to share information, leverage resources and develop efficient solutions.”

Rogers said this year’s conference also marks a significant point in the region’s water-supply planning efforts, as contractual commitments for an additional water source are now in place.

The conference will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to learn about current water supply issues, discuss regional challenges and explore strategies for meeting Southwest Missouri’s long-term water needs.