WHEREAS, water is a basic and essential need of humankind, as our health, comfort and standard of living depend upon an abundant supply of safe water; and
 
                           WHEREAS, Idaho recognizes that an adequate and dependable supply of water is crucial to the economic well being of its agricultural and industrial economies; and
 
                           WHEREAS, Idaho residents and businesses rely on economical electrical energy generated by hydroelectric facilities situated on Idaho rivers and canals; and
 
                           WHEREAS, Idaho residents and visitors cite the environmental beauty and productivity of Idaho's lakes, rivers, and ground water as a reason for visiting or living here; and
 
                           WHEREAS, some 12,000 Idaho sixth-grade students across the state are concentrating their studies this week on the role of water in their life and in the livelihood of their state; and
 
                           WHEREAS, water education activities are being conducted throughout Idaho, including water festivals, teacher training, field trips, and classroom presentations for the benefit of our youth; and
 
                           WHEREAS, water truly is Idaho's most precious natural resource – the  lifeblood of our state – it is appropriate to set aside a special time to call upon all Idahoans, young and old, to learn about the importance of water in their lives and to learn how they can protect and conserve our precious water resources;
 
                           NOW, THEREFORE, I C. L. “Butch” Otter, Governor of the State of Idaho, do hereby proclaim the week of May 4 through 8, 2009 to be

 IDAHO WATER AWARENESS WEEK
 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Idaho at the Capitol in Boise on this 6th day of May in the year of our Lord two-thousand and nine and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred thirty-third and of the Statehood of Idaho the one hundred nineteenth.

BEN YSURSA
SECRETARY OF STATE