Water Project

Polluted storm water runoff is identified as the nation's main cause of water quality problems. Over 600 miles of streams in metro Atlanta don't meet water quality standards because of storm water pollution. To combat this type of pollution in the streams and creeks of eastern Cobb County, the Rotary Club of East Cobb has implemented the Cobb County Watershed Stewardship storm water runoff project for seven years at no financial cost to the club.

The Fox Hollow and Hidden Hollow subdivisions were identified for installation of 29 storm drain markers on Thursday, May 19, 2016 prior to the club's monthly Thirsty Third Thursday membership event. The aluminum markers display the words "NO DUMPING, DRAINS TO CREEK" as a reminder that storm drains lead directly to streams, rivers, and lakes which eventually lead to sources of drinking water. A message was published in neighborhood newsletters notifying residents when Rotary volunteers would install the markers, and bags of educational materials were attached to mailboxes of 185 homes on the day of the project.

We educate citizens on the differences between storm drains and sewers, and East Cobb Rotary is pleased to provide this project as a means to safer water and better health in our community. Last year's group included 10 club members (16%) for a total of 15 volunteer hours in preparation, follow-up and implementation. Current plans for the May 2017 water project are underway, and expectations are up for increasing participation to previous year levels of around 20 Rotarians.

Additional emphasis on the issue of clean water was brought to the club this year on October 12, 2016 by our weekly program speaker Pam Burnett from the Georgia Association of Water Professionals.