The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality and the University of Louisiana at Monroe Toxicology Department will host a Ouachita Parish Drinking Water Protection Program Committee Meeting Thur., March 26, at 6 p.m. at ULM's Sugar Hall, Room 259. Everyone is welcome to participate.

The Drinking Water Protection Program was designed by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality to assist Louisiana communities in protecting their drinking water and preventing contamination of drinking water sources.

The goals of the program are:

• To increase public awareness of the importance of protecting drinking water sources, and

• To educate communities on actions they can take to protect drinking water.

The program elements of the DWPP also focus on zoning regulations and contingency planning by the water systems.

Drinking Water Protection Committees are groups of individuals that are dedicated to protecting their drinking water source from contamination. Committees are usually formed on a parish or watershed basis.

The meeting agenda will include a progress report of the visits to potential sources of contamination and the ordinance work, homeowner’s association/contractor fact sheet, and the lawn and garden fact sheet.

For more information, contact Dr. Kevin Baer at 318-342-1698 or baer@ulm.edu.