VIROQUA - The question of whether clean water is still a right in Wisconsin will be topic of a program at the Tap House 138 American Legion in Viroqua on Wednesday, March 14.

Specific Driftless Area issues addressed will include the impact of water tourism on the economy, the area’s geology that makes it vulnerable to water contamination, and plans for a hog facility between Viroqua and Westby.

In addition, a resident of Wisconsin’s Central Sands area will report on water drawdown in lakes due to high-capacity wells, and a state conservation group representative will discuss laws passed that adversely affect Wisconsin’s water.

Speakers will be Kelvin Rodolfo of Viroqua, professor emeritus of earth and environmental sciences, University of Illinois; Duke Welter, outreach coordinator for Trout Unlimited’s Driftless Area Restoration Effort; Kate Beaton, Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters regional representative; Brian Wickert, member, Concerned Citizens for Smart Growth, and Raymond Hansen, Central Sands Water Action Coalition representing 69 groups in six Central Wisconsin counties.

The event, sponsored by the Vernon County Democratic Party, is open to the public. It will begin with socializing, with tacos available for purchase in the community room, at 5:30 p.m., followed by the free program at 6 p.m. The Legion is located at 120 N. Rusk Ave.

This is the group’s first forum of 2018. The series will address issues of common interest, and the programs will be non-partisan. Further programs will be held in communities throughout the county.