Recent media attention has focused on manganese in Madison's drinking water and drawn attention to how Madison Water Utility communicates with the public. Madison Water Utility (MWU) is committed to improving communication about water quality isues and would like to forge strong relationships with city neighborhood associations to facililtate this dialogue.

MWU utilizes multiple vehicles for communicating with the public. In particular,

1) we prepare and mail to all water customers an Annual Drinking Water Quality Report
2) we are updating our website ( www.cityofmadison.com/water ) to include water quality and well operation information
3) we have held public meetings focusing on water quality issues and
4) we sometimes include informational inserts with water bills.
5) MWU also has used radio spots, submitted articles to neighborhood newspapers and drafted press releases.

MWU also maintains a Drinking Water Quality ListServ as a mechanism to inform the public on water quality topics. Water quality updates are regularly posted to coincide with monthly Board of Water Commissioners meetings that are held the third Tuesday of every month.

MWU encourages anyone interested in water quality information subscribe at:

http://lavos.wiscnet.net/mailman/listinfo/drinkingwaterquality

Because communication works in two directions, I am interested in learning about the water quality and supply issues that are important to your neighborhood.

Feel free to contact me with any specific questions or concerns about drinking water quality.

Thank you.

Joseph Grande
Water Quality Manager
Madison Water Utility
608-266-4654