Adopt-A-StreamGwinnett Adopt-A-Stream is a volunteer program of the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center. We provide information and assistance to the public regarding non-point source pollution, stream monitoring, and water quality protection. The Adopt-A-Stream program provides training workshops for teachers, students and the general public on the Georgia Environmental Protection Division Monitoring water quality monitoring protocol, which helps promote the protection of our fragile aquatic ecosystems. We facilitate the storm drain stenciling program by providing stenciling supplies to volunteer groups. We conduct volunteer stream cleanups in local waterways. Adopt-A-Stream staff also facilitate tours of Drinking Water and Wastewater plants (click for more info on F. Wayne Hill plant group tours) in Gwinnett County. The phone number for Drinking water plant tours is 770.904.3201.
For more information about Adopt-A-Stream or to volunteer please email
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.
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.
Around the House 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.
Saving Water 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 a 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 will save 300 to 800 gallons per month.
Saving Water 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.
- 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 will save three gallons each day.
- Install water-saving shower heads. You save 500 to 800 gallons per month.
