The Lake Champlain Maritime Museum is marking the 50th anniversary of the passage of the Clean Water Act of 1972 this summer with a new exhibit and public activities. In tandem with partners around the Champlain Valley, the exhibit and activities give the public the chance to celebrate the importance of clean water through history, action, and educational events.

The new exhibit, “The Clean Water Act,” explores the history that led to the passage of the Clean Water Act, key parts to know about this federal legislation, how it relates to Lake Champlain, and people of the Champlain Valley who continue the fight for clean water. Featured locals include Tom Jorling, one of the architects of the Clean Water Act in 1972, former DEC commissioner for New York state, and professor and attorney; Kelley Tucker, executive director of the Ausable River Association; and Iris Hsiang, youth member of the Vermont Climate Council and founder of the Youth Organizing Coalition.

The exhibit was made possible with generous support from the Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership. The Clean Water Act exhibit is open for all to visit for free in-person at the museum in Vergennes, VT or online at www.lcmm.org/Clean-Water-Act.

Champlain Valley residents and visitors interested in doing more to celebrate water and the anniversary of the Clean Water Act can participate in a variety of activities with the museum or local partners. Visit the links for more information, as some activities have required advance registration or additional costs.

Upcoming Clean Water Act-related activities:

• Eco Demonstrations, Wednesdays–Saturdays in August from 1–2 p.m.: A free drop-in activity at the museum all about how daily actions, decisions, and research connect to or impact Lake Champlain. Details at https://www.lcmm.org/calendar/.

• Cyanobacteria Testing, Wednesdays in August from 2–3 p.m.: A free weekly demonstration at the museum on how to test water for cyanobacteria levels. Details at https://www.lcmm.org/calendar/.

Lake Champlain Maritime Museum website photo

• Adirondack Water Week, August 5–14: A week-long collection of events around the Adirondack region for residents and visitors to connect with issues that impact clean water through educational programming, lectures, and community engagement. Full schedule at https://www.adkwatershed.org/adirondack-water-week. Read our Adirondack Explorer story for more information on the second annual Maintain the Chain clean up event which coincides with Adirondack Water Week and the 50th Anniversary of Clean Water Act this year.

• The Clean Water Act at 50, August 11 at 6 p.m.: A virtual talk by the museum’s executive director, Susan Evans McClure, on the founding, the impact, and the legacy of this watershed legislation on our watershed. Register for free at https://www.adkwatershed.org/events/the-clean-water-act-at-50-with-susan-evans-mcclure.

Photo at top: Youngsters take part in an Eco demonstration. Lake Champlain Maritime Museum website photo.