Adopt-A-Stream
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Adopt-A-Stream provides information and assistance to the public regarding non-point source pollution, stream monitoring, and protection. Workshops are provided for teachers, students and the general public on the Georgia Environmental Protection Division Monitoring protocol, which helps promote the protection of our fragile aquatic ecosystems. Adopt-A-Stream conducts stream cleanups, facilitates the storm drain stenciling program, and conducts tours of Water Resources facilities. For more information about Adopt-A-Stream or to volunteer please email Brian.Sterner@gwinnettcounty.com |
Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring
Gwinnett Adopt-A-Stream offers training for volunteers interested in learning more about their streams by conducting water quality monitoring. Workshops are scheduled throughout the year in both chemical and biological monitoring please email Brian.Sterner@gwinnettcounty.com for more information.
Stream Cleanups
Gwinnett Adopt-A-Stream conducts stream cleanups, and helps groups interested in cleaning their local stream. For more information or to volunteer please email Brian.Sterner@gwinnettcounty.com
Stormdrain Stenciling
The stormdrain stenciling program spreads the word about non-point source pollution. Volunteers stencil NO DUMPING - LEADS TO STREAM on stormdrains and distribute door hangers to all homes in a subdivision. Door hangers provide information about non-point source pollution and how citizens can get involved. For more information or to volunteer please email Brian.Sterner@gwinnettcounty.com
Water Resources Facility Tours
Learn about your water first hand by participating in a tour of a Water Resources Facility. These tours offer an excellent opportunity for civic, church, and scout groups curious about how their water works in Gwinnett County. Call for more information about drinking water facility (770.904.3200) and wastewater facility tours (770.904.3500).
FAQ/Tips
Water Pollution
In Gwinnett County all stormdrains lead to streams, that means any pollution that falls on your yard, sidewalk, driveway, parking lot, or road could get washed right into a stream the next time it rains. This includes oil and antifreeze from cars, cigarette butts, and grass clippings.
Water Conservation
Wash only full loads of dishes and laundry. You'll not only save water, but energy too.
Take a shower instead of a bath. Filling the bathtub uses about 50 gallons of water. You can save 30 gallons by taking a shower.
Shorten your shower to five minutes. Cut back on your shower time and you will rack up big savings in water and energy. Also, install a water-saving showerhead that uses 2.5 gallons/minute.
Don’t use your toilet as a trash can. Every flush you eliminate can save between two and seven gallons of water.
Fix leaking faucets and toilets. An average of 8% of all home water use is wasted through leaks. Test for a leaking toilet by lifting the lid off the toilet tank and putting a few drops of food coloring into the bowl. Wait a few minutes, and then look in the bowl. If the food coloring has made its way there, you have a leak in your flush valve.
Turn off the lights when you are not in the room and cut the air conditioner back when you are not at home. Electricity is produced using large volumes of water. Reducing energy demands can reduce the water needed to produce that energy.
In the Kitchen
Refrigerate a bottle or glass of water instead of letting a faucet flow until the water runs cold.
Prepare food efficiently. Speed cleaning food by using a vegetable brush. Spray water in short bursts. Faucet aerators cut consumption.
Defrost sensibly. Plan ahead and defrost foods overnight in the refrigerator. Don’t use running water. Use the microwave or put wrapped food in a bowl of cold water.
Reduce dishwashing. Use rubber spatula to scrape dishes clean to limit pre-rinse. Let really dirty pans or dishes soak to speed washing. Most new dishwashers don't require pre-rinsing. Limit dishwasher use to full loads.
Reuse clean household water. Collect all the water that is wasted while waiting for the hot water to reach your faucet or showerhead. Use this to water your houseplants or outdoor planters. Do the same with water that is used to boil eggs or steam vegetables.
Garbage disposal alternatives: Avoid using your garbage disposal. Learn how to compost leftovers fruits and vegetables in your backyard.
Run only full loads in the washing machine and dishwasher. You save 300 to 800 gallons per month.
In the Bathroom
Tame your toilet. Put a plastic bottle or a plastic bag weighted with pebbles and filled with water in your toilet tank. Displacing water in this manner allows you to use less water with each flush. You save 5 to 10 gallons a day. That's up to 300 gallons a month, even more for large families. For even greater savings, replace your water-guzzling five to seven gallon a flush toilet with a one and a half gallon, ultra-low flush model.
Save your shower. If you're taking a shower, don't waste water while waiting for hot water to reach the shower head. Catch that water in a container to use on your outside plants or to flush your toilet. You save 200 to 300 gallons a month.
Check toilet for leaks. Put dye tablets or food coloring into the tank. If color appears in the bowl without flushing, there's a leak that should be repaired. You save 400 gallons a month.
Turn off the water while brushing your teeth. You save three gallons each day.
Turn off the water while shaving. Fill the bottom of the sink with a few inches of water to rinse your razor. You save three gallons each day.
Install water-saving shower heads. You save 500 to 800 gallons per month.
