A project of the Alabama Clean Water Partnership,

Coca-Cola Enterprises/Montgomery, World Wildlife Fund,

Alabama Cooperative Extension, and Legacy,Partners in Environmental Education.

A statewide nonprofit organization, bringing

interested citizens and water users together

in a neutral forum in order to identify water

related issues and challenges and become part of the solution

for long-term water quality improvement and conservation

in a non-regulatory way.

1. Provides a Quarterly Forum.

2. Educates kids and adults.

3. Implements On-the-ground projects.

ACWP Basins

10 Basins10 Basins(33 sub (33 sub basins)basins)

Each basin has Each basin has a Sponsor(s), a Sponsor(s),

Steering Steering Committee Committee

& & Basin Basin

FacilitatorFacilitator

An area that drains into a particular body of water such as a stream, river or lake.

Water Cycle

Land Cover

Changes

Too much water AND

Not enough water

More Runoff

Arriving Faster

Courtesy NEMO, Univ. of CT

Rainwater: Intimate

relationship with nature

Stormwater: Intimate relationship with man-made structure

NPS pollution cannot be pinpointed to a single source. Over time, pollutants from our everyday activities accumulate on the land.

Examples of NPS pollutants include pet feces, gasoline, fertilizer, pesticides, and even soil. NPS pollution is a problem when rainfall or heavy irrigation carries sediments and dissolved chemicals to waterways in stormwater runoff .

Stream that doesn’t meet the water quality criteria that has been designated for the stream.

Catoma CreekCatoma Creek is classified as a Fish & Wildlife Stream and is listed as an impaired stream because of low dissolved oxygen/organic enrichment and for pathogens. Source is listed as urban runoff and agriculture.

1. They increase the time needed for stormwater to reach the stream.

2. They reduce the volume and velocity of stormwater immediately following a rain.

3. The reduce the amount of pollutants that reach the stream by allowing water to seep into the ground and recharge groundwater.

4. They help conserve treated water reducing the amount of water that utilities have to

remove from the river and saving you money.5. They water plants with rainwater instead of

treated water

Follow the tips from the Alabama River

Sediment (clay, silt) is the #1 source of water pollution. Bare soil easily washes into storm drains and streams, clouding the water and suffocating aquatic life.

  Never leave soil exposed! Place straw over newly

seeded areas. Cover your garden during winter months. Sod, seed, grow plants, or build terraces on slopes.Rock gardens can also be effective for slowing the

flow of water and minimizing erosion.Georgia DNR – You’re the Solution to Water Pollution Poster

Household Hazardous Wastes (HHW), especially auto fluids, are a common contaminant found in waterways. Never pour products on the ground or down a storm drain.

Have your vehicle serviced at a

garage where fluids will be recycled or properly disposed.

If doing it yourself, recycle auto fluids, oil filters, batteries, and tires.

Georgia DNR – You’re the Solution to Water Pollution Poster

Nutrients

Limiting fertilizer use will avoid nutrient overload in streams.

 Plant vegetation native to your area (suited to soil type, slope, available sunlight, and climate).

Prior to fertilizing, take a soil test to determine what nutrients your soil may need.

  Mow your lawn 1/3 of the total grass height only, mow when dry- with sharp mower blades, and leave the clippings on the lawn.

  During summer months, cut grass higher to help retain soil moisture.

Georgia DNR – You’re the Solution to Water Pollution Poster

Don’t put yard trimmings in a stream! Compost trimmings or take them to a local composting program.

Chop or shred waste into small pieces.

  Add equal amounts of a carbon source (dried material) to a nitrogen source (green plant material).

Turn the pile regularly and maintain slight moisture.

Georgia DNR – You’re the Solution to Water Pollution Poster

Don’t litter and pick up litter when and where

you can.

Make sure all potential litter is secured in your automobile.

Recycle!

  Talk to teens about littering.

Pet Waste - Scientists believe that fecal matter from pets is a major source of bacteria in urban waterways.

Wrap it up and place it in the trash or consider a special compost area.

Restrict pets from streamside area.

Georgia DNR – You’re the Solution to Water Pollution Poster

Trees help reduce impact of impervious surfaces.

Volunteer to help plant Ida Bell Young Park streamside forest.

Plant native trees, in the right place and at the right time.

Water your new tree with a rain barrel.

Get extra benefit by reducing your power bills in the summer time too.

Georgia DNR – You’re the Solution to Water Pollution Poster

Three Major Components:

•Inlet•Outlet

•Overflow

Inlet:We have standardized on an open

top barrel. This barrel can be used with gutters or without.

1.Cut 3-4 large holes in the top of the barrel.

2.Cut a 3’ x3’ section of screen3.Attach screen using a 4’

bungee cord

Phillip PaynePM Photography, Inc

Phillip PaynePM Photography, Inc

Overflow:The overflow should be located

near the top of the barrel. We are using sump pump hose to direct the flow away from the house—

hopefully to a rain garden.1.Use drill with hole saw

attachment to drill a 1-1/2” hole.2.Cut 6’-8’ section of hose

3.Insert hose in hole.

Outlet:We are using a ¾” male brass hose

bibb.1.Drill a 1” hole near the base of the barrel. Keep drill bit straight

and level.2.Wrap plumbers tape around the

threads of the barrel.3.Screw hose bibb into hole.4.Caulk around hose bibb.

•Slope and Elevation

•Valley

•Gutter

Contact: Ashley Henderson AHendersonCWP@charter.net

334-300-3392 www.cleanwaterpartnership.org

A project of the Alabama Clean Water Partnership with World Wildlife Fund and Coca-Cola Enterprise/Montgomery