Welcome to the first issue of Stormwater, the Journal for Surface Water Quality Professionals. Our goal is to provide you with accurate, state-of-the-art information to assist in accomplishing your professional objectives. The decisions and recommendations you make about various water-quality strategies and practices affect not only the citizens in your own and neighboring communities who - whether they realize it or not - rely on your judgement and knowledge, but on all forms of life in the surrounding areas as well. There are no occupations more worthwhile than those that endeavor to improve the quality of life on this planet, and we applaud you all.
      You’re looking at an entire publication devoted to surface water quality issues, written for those in charge of protecting and improving that quality and complying with current and future regulations. As we’ve discussed the concept of this publication with many of you and our Editorial Advisory Board over the past several months, the need and widespread desire for it have become abundantly clear. "Great idea!" and "It’s about time" are the comments we hear time and again. Then come the questions: Will you be accepting story ideas and articles? (Sure - send them in!) How much is a subscription? (They’re free to qualified readers, and $43.00 to nonqualified readers in the US. If you fit into the categories on our subscription card, you qualify for a complimentary subscription). How frequently will you publish? (We’ll start out with seven issues per year - bimonthly plus our annual industry directory). Then comes the flood of suggestions: "You should do an article on _____" and "You should really talk to _____."
      Which is exactly what we’re looking for. These pages are open to you, and we welcome your ideas, suggestions, letters, and comments. Give us a call, send us an e-mail, or just drop by. We can all learn from one another. If you’ve picked up a useful practice or two that your colleagues might benefit from, put it out there! You can help someone else from making what you now know are easy-to-avoid mistakes. Tell us about your projects, challenges, successes, and setbacks. Keep in mind that what is now routine for you might well be untried and possibly intimidating to others in similar circumstances in other areas. We will be addressing readers of varying experience levels too, because on-the-job experience varies so widely. Send us your material, and don’t hesitate to express yourself freely. By working together we can make this publication better serve your needs. And while we can’t promise to print everything we receive, we will at least get back to you and discuss what you submit.
      Many thousands of you have already visited us on-line at www.stormh2o.com. You’ve gone to our Web site to sign up for the complimentary copy you’ve got in your hands at this moment. I urge you to visit the site again. In addition to being loaded with stormwater-related articles and stories, you’ll also find the latest on educational opportunities, pending regulations, stormwater-related events, conferences, trade shows, job openings, and more.
      Good reading!

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