Stormwater Education and Water Conservation

Clean River Partners is collaborating with the cities of Faribault and Northfield to educate the community on stormwater issues and water conservation practices to improve water quality. This is achieved through various means, such as stormwater school programs, community volunteer events, community surveys, newspaper articles, informational videos, and poster contests. The aim is to make people aware of how their everyday actions can impact the water quality and to provide them with information on sustainable practices that can help maintain clean water.

Stormwater is the excess water from rainfall or melted snow and ice that flows into the storm drains in cities and municipalities. Pollutants such as garden fertilizer, soapy suds from washing your car, or other icky substances like paint or oil can find their way into these storm drains. Once reaching the storm drains, these substances flow directly into the Cannon River and endanger the natural ecosystems of the watershed. We host events where volunteers can help clean up storm drains and apply decals to remind communities within the watershed to be mindful of what they are letting drain into the river.

IMPACTS

Our goal is to help the community understand how their everyday actions can impact the quality of our water and make information about clean water and sustainable practices available to community members of all ages and backgrounds.

OUTCOMES

  • In 2023, we engaged 57 volunteers through volunteer events and added decals to 41 storm drains across Northfield and Faribault, all aimed at promoting awareness and educating the community about stormwater issues.

  • Our team has successfully spread awareness about stormwater education and water conservation through the power of writing this year. With 14 articles published in Faribault Daily News and Northfield News, we have inspired individuals to take action by utilizing rain barrels, planting native grasses, and conserving water in their laundry rooms, among other important topics.

WHAT’S NEXT

We aim to integrate the arts and humanities into our programming while prioritizing accessibility to reach community members of all ages and backgrounds.