Lake County Lake Lovers is Now an Independent Nonprofit Organization!

Drumroll please! I am excited to announce, on behalf of Global Water Works, the continued growth and evolution of Lake County Lake Lovers, which is now an independent nonprofit organization! Key Takeaways: Why the change? To support Lake Lovers local focus and steady growth, both groups felt this was the best step to fully support the important work being done by each organization. What will change? Content Location: Lake County Lake Lovers has moved to www.lakecountylakelovers.org, and you will find its content, news and events on that site.​​Leadership: Lake County Lake Lovers is led by Becky Sawle, President; Bill Cotey, Treasurer; Paul Spiewak, Secretary. Frank Slovenec and I will continue to co-lead Global Water Works. What will stay the same? Communication: If you have joined the Lake County Lake Lovers space within the Global Water Works community, you will continue to receive communications from both Global Water Works and Lake County Lake Lovers. You may unsubscribe from either at any time. Celebrate Lake Appreciation Month at Algae-Palooza Register today for Algae-Palooza: Dinner & Lake Stories, July 19, 2026: www.lakecountylakelovers.org. Reason for Celebration What began as a conversation among neighbors seeking solutions to harmful algae blooms has grown into one of Lake County’s most active volunteer lake stewardship organizations. Global Water Works is thrilled to announce the successful evolution of Lake County Lake Lovers into an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. This change allows both organizations to focus more effectively on our distinct missions while continuing to collaborate in advancing water stewardship and education. Lake County Lake Lovers was born exactly four years ago, on June 30, 2022, when a group of local residents learned through the Global Water Works community about nature-based solutions capable of addressing harmful algae blooms and improving lake health. Starting with just 12 members, the organization has since grown into a thriving network of 79 water quality monitoring volunteers, with a total of 512 people who have taken action to learn, volunteer, or advocate for change.​"Our lakes connect communities, property owners, anglers, boaters, sandcastle builders, dog walkers, and nature lovers—really anyone who enjoys viewing or recreating beside or in a lake—so we all share a common interest in protecting these treasured resources." says Becky Sawle, President of Lake County Lake Lovers. "The growth of Lake Lovers demonstrates what can happen when volunteers are empowered to generate decision-quality data for their lakes, with publicly displayed results, and can network with other lake leaders to share challenges, success stories, and knowledge, all while learning together."​Through its 2025 pilot monitoring program involving 12 lakes, Lake Lovers established a regular rhythm of volunteer engagement, with volunteers collecting water quality data every other week from April through October as a foundation for informed management decisions. The program expanded to 21 lakes in 2026, and you will hear stories on many of these lakes at our July 19 Algae-Palooza! I am so happy to see Lake County Lake Lovers flourishing with a locally focused platform and a committed and accomplished leadership team. What began exactly four years ago with 12 neighbors gathering to learn about solutions for harmful algae blooms has grown into a vibrant, volunteer-led organization, impacting the health of Lake County’s lakes. It is a real credit to the organization's leaders.​Global Water Works will remain focused on its broader vision that "Water Works for All," demonstrating God's abundance globally with members focused on safe water, sanitation and hygiene education and impact programs.​ This milestone represents an exciting new chapter for both organizations and demonstrates the power of community-led action.