I recently received the July-August, 1996 newsletter for the Association of Ground Water Scientists and Engineers (AGWSE), a division of the National Ground Water Association (NGWA). Since many of our members are NGWA members, the comments of Dr. John Bredehoeft may be of interest. His letter pertains to the proposed NGWA bylaws change to provide equal representation by AGWSE on the NGWA Board of Directors. Apparently, AGWSE is currently limited to two Board of Director positions out of sixteen total positions.AGWSE has 16,328 members out of a total of 20,100 NGWA members, but yet their representation on the Board of Directors does not reflect this.AGWSE members should have equal representation on the Board of Directors, because they represent 80% of the total membership.

AGWSE would like the governing bylaws at NGWA to be changed to permit AGWSE an equal share in the governance of NGWA, one that reflects the number of AGWSE members. Dr. Bredehoeft indicates that, “...a vote not to change the bylaws is a statement that the scientific community is unwelcome with NGWA -- maintaining the status quo is unsatisfactory.” If the NGWA bylaws are not revised, Dr. Bredehoeft intends to resign, and withdraw his moral and financial support to NGWA. He also will encourage his colleagues to do the same. He specifically states that, “life is too short to spend it where one is unwelcomed.”

My initial reaction is to agree with Dr. Bredehoeft, and I boldly presume that a significant percentage of the 16,000 AGWSE members will follow in due time. However, I cannot help but feel saddened that an organization that has served the common interest of the water industry will no longer exist. How many individuals, such as Dr. Bredehoeft, have dedicated a portion of their lives to making NGWA the world renowned organization that it is, namely through its Ground Water publication. Will these individuals be motivated and driven to start all over with a new organization?

What are your thoughts? I encourage those AGWSE members among us to write a letter to NGWA and let them know how you feel. Please send your comments to: Dr. John Bredehoeft, AGWSE, 2600 Ground Water Way, Columbus, Ohio, 43219 or email them to h20@h20-ngwa.org. Comments need to be submitted before December 1996.