NEW MILESTONE REACHED
Lake County Lake Lovers Reaches New Milestone as Independent Non-profit from Global Water Works Non-profit
Volunteer-driven lake stewardship org achieves remarkable growth
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.
On 30 June 2026, Global Water Works announced the successful evolution of Lake County Lake Lovers into an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, allowing both organizations to focus more effectively on their distinct missions while continuing to collaborate in advancing water stewardship and education.
Lake County Lake Lovers was born 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," said Becky Sawle, Lake County Lake Lovers President. "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 collaborate, 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.
"We are so happy to see Lake County Lake Lovers flourishing with a locally focused platform and a committed and accomplished leadership team," said Mary Conley Eggert, founder of Global Water Works. "What began exactly 4 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." This next chapter positions both organizations to expand their impact and serve their communities even more effectively."
Global Water Works will remain focused on its broader vision that "Water Works for All," demonstrating God's abundance through safe water, sanitation, hygiene education, and impact programs. The organization continues its work connecting local water solutions with global challenges, operating under the belief that water problems are solved locally, and successful solutions can be scaled globally. Global Water Works continues expanding its educational and impact initiatives both locally and internationally
This milestone represents an exciting new chapter for both organizations and demonstrates the power of community-led action.
Photo by Harry Dona on Unsplash