Volunteers adopt a segment of a stream or other body of water, such as a canal or tidal creek, for a year. During that year, volunteers participate in a variety of activities, depending on their level of interest, goals, and time commitment. Visual surveys Litter Pick ups Chemical Monitoring Biological Monitoring Habitat Enhancement Project Regional Training Centers Regional Training Centers have been established throughout Georgia for training workshops, technical expertise and other resources. In southeast Georgia, Savannah State University houses the Regional Training Center for this area, which serves 20 counties in coastal and southeast Georgia. As an area is developed, storm water runoff increases.
Land once covered by vegetation is cleared as roads, shops and houses are built.
Rainwater previously absorbed by the land and plants now falls onto these impervious surfaces, picking up pollutants along the way. It then flows to the nearest storm drain, carrying these pollutants into the nearest stream or river. As storm water runoff increases, so does the potential for nonpoint source pollution. Types of Pollutants and Their Effects Type Effects Nutrients Cause algae blooms, reduce oxygen in the water, favor the survival of less desirable fish species, health problems, degrade recreational activities, lower property values Sediment Reduces flood buffering abilities of wetlands, affects respiration and digestion in aquatic animals, decreases spawning habitat, increases water treatment costs, transport of other contaminants, decreases light transmission through the water Metals Accumulate in animal tissue, build up in pipes therefore reducing carrying capacity, affect bottom-feeding organisms and predators, health hazards These are just a few examples of the negative effects of water pollution. However, making wise decisions about the way we live and simple, responsible actions from everyone, including businesses, developers and the community, can help keep our waters clean.