JEFFERSON CITY – Governor Mike Parson has signed a proclamation declaring October 2022 as Clean Water Month in Missouri. In the proclamation, Governor Parson noted that Oct. 18 marks the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act, which aimed to prevent, reduce and eliminate pollution and restore and maintain the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the nation’s waters.
The proclamation highlights that the Missouri Legislature acknowledged the importance of water protection by enacting the Missouri Clean Water Law in 1972 to establish authority for the Missouri Clean Water Commission to implement the Clean Water Act in Missouri. In the past 50 years, the overall health of our state’s lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands has dramatically improved, a clear result of implementing this law. This landmark environmental legislation is central to the important strides Missouri has made in improving the quality and health of our rivers, streams, lakes, wetlands and watersheds.
Citizens of Missouri depend on clean water not only for survival but also for personal and community health and wellbeing. Clean water provides numerous recreational opportunities, sustains a vibrant economy and supports agriculture, industry and tourism.
Governor Parson called upon all citizens of Missouri to join him in working together to appreciate and protect clean water as a vital resource for Missouri.
A copy of the proclamation will be posted online at governor.mo.gov/actions/proclamations. For more information about the important work clean water professions do visit the Missouri Department of Natural Resources webpage at dnr.mo.gov/water.