Two men, Mr. Frank Waksmunski and Mr. Leroy Skinner, who had many questions but not all the answers, formed the Groundwater Guardians in 1999.
The first thing we did was meet with Susan Gallagher, Chief Naturalist at the Carbon County Environmental Education Center. Many ideas were discussed and a general framework for this new organization was put together.
We set out to help private well owners learn the basics on wells, water and septic systems at no cost. In this way we could prevent illnesses that can be acquired from having a private water system. We remain true to this Mission and have included education for children and government officials. We can also help you get your drinking water tested and understand the results. By September 1999, the “Groundwater Guardian Team” was established and received by The Groundwater Foundation in Lincoln, NE.
In 2000, the Carbon County Groundwater Guardians were first recognized as a “Groundwater Guardian Community” by The Groundwater Foundation based in Lincoln, Nebraska for its efforts and commitment to the public. Having Groundwater Guardian Community status legitimizes the group and helps others recognize it as a worthwhile resource. The organization continues to receive this recognition yearly.
July 21, 2001, we received our first grant in the amount of $ 7,500 from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community and Economic Development. These funds were used to implement a school-based teacher education and monitoring program.
April 16, 2002, we received the “Governors Award for Watershed Stewardship” and attended the award event in Harrisburg.
November 2002, Mr. Frank Waksmunski elected to a three term to The Groundwater Foundation Council.
June 2, 2004 – Disclosed the polycythemia vera cancer cluster on Ben Titus Road at a press conference at the Quakake Fire Company Hall in the Tamaqua, Pennsylvania.
November 2005 – Frank Waksmunski elected to a second three-year term to the Groundwater Foundation Council.
November 2008 – The Carbon County Groundwater Guardians was designated as a Groundwater Community for the eighth consecutive year.
June 2009 – Worked on the Leadership Team for the 2009 Northeastern Pennsylvania Energy Expo in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.
June 2010- Worked on the Leadership Team for the 2010 Northeastern Pennsylvania Energy Expo in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.
September 2013 – Participated in the 1st annual Keystone Energy Games and provide information on water quality, renewable energy, biomass, and ground source systems.
November 2013- The Carbon County Groundwater Guardians was designated as a Groundwater Community for the fourteenth consecutive year.
In 2013, the Carbon County Groundwater Guardians applied for over $150,000.00 in grant applications, completed over 15 education outreach events on groundwater issues, conducted 6 training sessions on alternative and renewable energy, directly outreached to over 2000 students and citizens in Pennsylvania, completed an update on the “Drinking Water Guide for Pennsylvania” and submitted re-organizational information to the IRS.
In December 2013, the organization was reorganized and is currently known as the Keystone Clean Water Team. Our organization is a 501(c)(3) IRS approved non profit, volunteer organization and your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
