What: An open house on July 26, 2004, to celebrate the 25 th anniversary of the National Environmental Services Center (NESC). Clean, safe and affordable drinking water is one of lifes basic necessities. Beginning with the founding of the National Small Flows Clearinghouse in 1979, NESC has helped American communities achieve and maintain clean water. At this event well showcase significant events from the past, hear from distinguished speakers and announce a reorganization that will position NESC for the next quarter century.

Where: Assembly Rooms A&B at the National Research Center for Coal and Energy Building on West Virginia Universitys Evansdale Campus (map attached).

When: Monday, July 26, 2004�€Reception from 3 to 5 p.m., keynote speaker at 4 p.m.

Who: The National Environmental Services Center (NESC), is an organization that helps small and rural communities with their water, wastewater, utility system management, infrastructure security, and solid waste challenges. To learn more about NESC , visithttp://www.nesc.wvu.edu.

Why: Since the passage of the Clean Water and Safe Drinking Water Acts in the early 1970s, great strides have been made. However, much work remains to be done. Nearly two million Americans still lack access to water or appropriate sanitation (or both). Further, aging water and wastewater infrastructure will need investments of between $250 and $500 billion over the next 20 years.