The Future Resilience of Our Islands’ Water Supply

Water is key to life, and it is central to our future resilience. Although we often don’t think much about it when we turn on our faucets or water our lawns, providing potable water on a barrier island is no small achievement. It requires viable aquifers and extensive treatment and distribution processes. All of that is made more challenging by rising seas, extended droughts, intense storms and storm surge, and other impacts of climate change. We are pleased to welcome Diana Wilson, General Manager of the Island Water Association to discuss this critical topic. In her presentation, Ms. Wilson will discuss the strategic planning process recently completed by the Island Water Association leadership and the targeted capital improvements identified to address the future needs and challenges of providing safe and reliable water to our island communities. Those challenges include growing demand, increased salinity in our aquifers, hardening against extreme weather events, reducing the risk of single points of failure in the treatment and distribution systems, and more. She will also discuss the important role that residents and businesses must play in water conservation through irrigation management to avoid over-taxing the water system. During the questions and discussion portion of the event, Ms. Wilson will be joined by Jason Goodrich, Deputy Utilities Director in the City of Sanibel Public Works Dept., to address questions participants may have about the role and limitations of our wastewater system for addressing island irrigation needs. Ms. Wilson has led operations at the Island Water Association since 2019. Prior to coming to Island Water, she was General Manager at West Des Moines Water Works in West Des Moines, IA where she worked from 2010 until 2019. She has a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Civil Engineering from Iowa State University and holds several licenses and certifications, including Professional Engineer and Grade 4 Water Treatment and Water Distribution Operator Licenses. This program is presented in collaboration with the Committee of the Islands (COTI).