Stormwater Education
Stormwater pollution is the greatest source of water quality impairments in the Clinton River and its tributaries. In more densely developed areas of the watershed, where there is a large percentage of impervious surface (rooftops, roads, sidewalks, lawns, etc.), the effects of stormwater pollution are particularly evident. When it rains, water falls on impervious surfaces and picks up pollutants such as dirt, oils, grease, pesticides, fertilizers, and pet waste. These pollutants are carried by runoff to our drainage systems and eventually end up in our waterways. Stormwater and the pollutants it carries causes erosion, sedimentation, algae blooms, high bacteria counts, and other water quality impacts. Stormwater pollution has a detrimental impact on aquatic habitat for fish and insects, threatens public health and recreation, and spoils the beauty of our rivers and streams.
Because many of the sources of stormwater pollution stem from our everyday behaviors, one of the best ways to reduce stormwater impacts is through education. The Clinton River Watershed Council has developed the Stormwater Education Program to educate residents of our watershed about their role in protecting our local waterways. This program was developed to assist communities that must comply with the NPDES Phase II stormwater discharge regulations. In fact most of the Stormwater Education Program participants have contracted with CRWC to help fulfill their Phase II Stormwater permit Public Education Plan. However, the Clinton River Watershed Council believes fulfilling permit requirements is not the only reason to educate the public about water quality. Educating the public about improving and preserving our natural resources is essential. The people in our communities want to know how to improve and preserve the quality of the environment where they work and live. Therefore, all municipal members of the Clinton River Watershed Council are eligible and encouraged to participate.
If your community is interested in more information about participating in this program please contact 248.601.0606 or contact@crwc.org.
Menu of Presentations and Workshops
The Watershed Story
Native Plants for your Yard and Water Quality
Do It Yourself H2O Friendly Lawn Care
Rain Gardens and Rain Barrels
Fall Lawn Care
The Little things YOU can do to Protect Water Quality
Clean Boating and Clean Water
Managing Lakefront Properties for Water Quality
Farming in a Healthy Watershed
Green Roofs for the Homeowner
How Can Small Business Help Protect Our Water Resources?
For scheduled Stormwater Education Presentations and Workshops please check the CRWC Event Calendar.