How science influences the development of public policy affecting Sierra Nevada lakes and watersheds, Central Valley rivers, and coastal environments is the focus of a daylong UC Davis conference Oct. 8. "Water Quality: From the Source to the Sea" is the second in a series of annual campus conferences on environmental sciences and policy. The series is designed to be a forum for dialogue between researchers, natural resources managers and policy-makers. Speakers and panelists from the university, public agencies and private organizations will address specific water-quality concerns such as biological issues, mercury influences on environmental and human health, and organic pesticide impacts. As the keynote speaker, John Volkman, general counsel for the Northwest Power Planning Council in Portland, Ore., will provide an overview of the integration of science and politics in water-quality issues. Sponsored by the UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, the conference is being held in the Buehler Alumni and Visitors Center on campus.