Public Works Department
Stormwater Services Division
Public Education Services
- Adopt-a-Stream
- Pollution Prevention Tips
- Landlord Training Information
- School Presentations
- Speakers Bureau
- Storm Drain Identification Project
- Waterways Newsletter
- Neighborhood Environmental Action Team (N.E.A.T. )
- Additional Resources
Adopt-a-Stream
Durham residents can help protect our waterways from pollution that threatens drinking water quality, aquatic life, and the recreational value of our streams and lakes. To get started choose a level that fits your interest level, and contact the Stormwater Public Education Coordinator. A two-year commitment is required. Group size and stream length will vary.
Forms for Adopt-a-Stream groups:
Pollution Prevention Tips
Only Rain Down The Storm Drain!
Individuals
- Pick up pet waste to prevent health problems and low oxygen levels in streams
- Minimize fertilizer applications and be sure to follow the directions on the package
- Use the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center to dispose of paints, solvents, cleaners, pesticides, and other chemicals
- Recycle used automobile oil at Advanced Auto, Autozone, Parts America, Quick 10, Wal-Mart, and the City of Durham Waste Disposal and Recycling Center
- Try Integrated Pest Management instead of pesticides
- Wash your car on the lawn or gravel using biodegradable soap, or take it to a business that reclaims the water
- Water your lawn during cool times of the day and only as needed
- Remove grass clippings and leaves from ditches and curbs
- Sweep up debris and soak up spills with kitty litter instead of hosing down your driveway
- Prevent litter and debris, including cigarette butts, from going down storm drains
- Create a rain garden to reduce the quantity and improve the quality of stormwater runoff from your property.
Businesses
- Restaurants: dispose of grease properly
- Auto repair shops and printers: avoid letting oil, chemicals or other waste flow into street drains; sweep up debris; contain spills
- Builders: shield street drains from spilt chemicals and soil, sand, gravel, and other building waste
- All work places: educate employees about pollution prevention measures and goals; keep an accurate, up-to-date inventory of the materials delivered and stored on-site; try to keep chemicals in their original containers, and keep them well labeled; protect materials stored outdoors from rainfall, run-on, runoff and wind dispersal; inspect outdoor storage areas regularly for leaks or spills; employ safeguards against accidental releases
Landlord Training Information
- Environmental Clean-Up Companies
- Vendor list for containment products
- English-Spanish Fats Oil and Grease Flyer
School Presentations
Water pollution presentations are correlated to the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. Topics include stormwater runoff, watersheds, river basins, soil erosion, and pollution prevention. Presentations focus on local natural resources and are interactive. Presenter is a North Carolina Certified Environmental Educator and former teacher. Call or e-mail today to schedule your class!
Speakers Bureau
Need a speaker for your club, church, or civic group? Presentations available on water pollution, local water resources, water-friendly household practices, and other related topics.
Storm Drain Identification Project
Volunteer for a community service project that benefits all citizens and aquatic life in Durham. Label a storm drain with pollution prevention messages using stickers like the ones below.
(.pdf files require the free Adobe Acrobat Reader plugin)
| Issue | Topic |
|---|---|
| Vol 13, no. 2 Waterways November/December | Plant Trees for Clean Water |
| Vol 13, no. 1 Waterways July/August 2009 | Clean Cars, Dirty Water |
| Vol 12, no. 2 Waterways July/August 2008 | Dog waste stations, Stream Stories |
| Vol 12, no. 1 Waterways March/April 2008 | Stormwater Drainage Systems and Ponds |
| Vol 11, no. 2 Waterways July/August 2007 | Adopt-a-Stream, Car Wash, Cooking Grease Tips |
| Vol 11, no. 1 Waterways January/February 2007 | City Council Adopts New Stormwater Ordinance |
| Vol 10, no. 1 Waterways July/August 2006 | Updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps |
| Vol 09, no. 2 Waterways November/December 2005 | The State of Our Streams |
| Vol 09, no. 1 Waterways May/June 2005 | "Greener" Landscaping-Reducing Stormwater Impacts |
| Vol 08, no. 2 Waterways November/December 2004 | Enhanced Services from Stormwater Fee Revenue |
| Vol 08, no. 1 Waterways May/June 2004 | Do you live in a floodplain? |
| Vol 07, no. 2 Waterways November/December 2003 | Stormwater 101 |
| Vol 07, no. 1 Waterways May/June 2003 | Public education, flooding/drainage, water quality |
| Vol 06, no. 2 Waterways November/December 2002 | Public education - Children Respond to Water Pollution |
| Vol 06, no. 1 Waterways May/June 2002 | Public education - children |
| Vol 05. no. 2 Waterways November/December 2001 | Drainage problems & repair projects |
| Vol 05, no. 1 Waterways May/June 2001 | Citizen involvement-Ellerbe Creek |
| Vol 04, no. 2 Waterways November/December 2000 | Storm drain identification & public education |
| Vol 04, no. 1 Waterways January/February 2000 | Stream cleanup plans (TMDLs Are Coming) |
| Vol 03, no. 1 Waterways May/June 1999 | Stream monitoring using biological assessment |
| Vol 02, no. 1 November/December 1998 | Citywide Stormwater system inventory and mapping |
| Vol 01, no. 1 November 1997 | Floodplain management |
Neighborhood Environmental Action Team (N.E.A.T.)
Neighborhoods and communities address some of their local environmental concerns and issues with the help and support of several City of Durham Departments.
Additional Resources
City of Durham Water Management - Presentations and resources available on water conservation, local drinking water
Clean Water Education Partnership - A cooperative nonpoint source pollution education and awareness campaign involving 20 local governments, State agencies, non-profit organizations, and a regional council of governments in North Carolina
North Carolina Department of Natural Resources - Stormwater education and resources
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Stormwater Home
Contact Us
For more information or to schedule your class or group for a water quality presentation or storm drain ID project please contact Laura Webb Smith, Public Education Coordinator at 560-4326 (ext. 235), or laura.smith@durhamnc.gov.