The Elks Run Study Committee

The stream known as Elks Run, and its tributary the Elk Branch, is the only surface water stream in Jefferson County, West Virginia, that serves a municipal water supply. Approximately 1500 people who live in the municipalities of Bolivar and Harpers Ferry get their drinking water from the Elks Run. The Elks Run Study Committee is comprised of citizens who were authorized in the fall of 2006 by the elected officials of both towns to study issues affecting the Elks Run and surrounding watershed and implement recommendations outlined in the 2006 Source Water Assessment and Protection Plan (SWAP).

The Committee is concerned with the factors that influence the quantity and quality of the water supply and has taken a comprehensive and regional view of water issues.

• Barbara Humes, Chairperson (Harpers Ferry)
• Elizabeth Blake (Bolivar)
• Cathy Burcham (Bolivar)
• Vicki Eckert (Bolivar)
• Dan Riss (Harpers Ferry)

Vision

The vision of the Elks Run Study Committee is to enable water supply owners, consumers, and stakeholders to assess, preserve, value and protect the Elks Run as a clean plentiful drinkable source of water for Harpers Ferry and Bolivar.

Mission

The mission of the Elks Run Study Committee is to:

• Identify factors that influence and protect the quality of water in the water supply of the Harpers Ferry/Bolivar Water Works.
• Identify factors that influence and protect the quantity of water in the water supply of the Harpers Ferry/Bolivar Water Works.
• Create partnerships for the good of the watershed.
• Create watershed awareness.
• Encourage the restoration, protection, and enhancement of watershed habitat and wildlife resources.
• Protect the watershed from the impacts of polluted runoff.
• Monitor water quality.
• Encourage youth and consumer participation in water preservation efforts.
• Promote and encourage grassroots approaches to problem solving.