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.

Stakeholders:  Directly affected by the issue  With the resources needed to resolve the issue  With authority to implement the decisions  With the ability to block the process or prevent implementation Stakeholders:  Directly affected by the issue  With the resources needed to resolve the issue  With authority to implement the decisions  With the ability to block the process or prevent implementation

ACWP Basins 10 Basins (33 sub basins) Each basin has a Sponsor(s), Steering Committee & Basin Facilitator

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 Creek Catoma 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

4H Groups Boy Scouts Girl Scouts School Groups Master Gardeners

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 screen 3.Attach screen using a 4’ bungee cord Phillip Payne PM Photography, Inc Phillip Payne PM 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

1.Supply list with Lowe’s and Home Depot part numbers and costs. 2.Powerpoint presentation-currently work in progress. 3.Instruction sheet. 4.Brochure-hard copies (while available) and PDF. 5.Sign up sheets: We want to track location of installation and of participants so that we can send a use survey.

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