What is Muddy Water Watch (MWW)? 

MWW is a state-wide initiative to reduce stormwater runoff from construction sites by providing training workshops and materials developed specifically for volunteers on the NC Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973 and the NC NPDES General Permit for construction stormwater runoff. Over the course of this two year project, trained volunteers will be able to properly identify sedimentation and erosion violations from active construction sites, as well as poorly maintained Best Management Practices (BMP’s)

Who is involved in MWW?

   In North Carolina, MWW is sponsored by the 7 North Carolina Riverkeepers®, including the Catawba Riverkeeper®. We also are partnering with Southern Environmental Law Center, Conservation Council of NC and other water shed groups across the state to help stem the tide of sediment— NC’s #1 water pollution problem—from further impacting our rivers, streams and drinking water supplies. Volunteers from all over the state will be trained by the Riverkeeper in their watershed to help improve compliance with the NC Sedimentation Pollution Control Act.

How can you help?

MWW organizers are looking for volunteers. 

No previous knowledge of erosion and sedimentation is needed, just a motivation to learn.  We are looking for people to:

-monitor construction sites and take pictures of potential violations

-document and report streams, creeks, and other waterways that are polluted with excessive sediment

-learn how to use several data storage websites

-take aerial photographs after heavy rainfalls

-MUCH MORE!

MWW Training in the Catawba Basin

The Catawba Riverkeeper® Foundation will begin a new training session on Wednesday, July 9, 2008, at 7 p.m.  The complete MWW training consists of 4 training sessions (July 9, July 16, July 23 and July 30, and one Saturday training session to inspect a construction site).  All of the Wednesday evening training sessions will begin at 7 p.m. at the Sherrills Ford Volunteer Fire Station just north of the intersection of Slanting Bridge Road and Highway 150, near Lake Norman. 

How do I learn more about MWW?

For additional information or to sign up for the July training session, please contact Rick Gaskins (rick@catawbariverkeeper.org) or David Merryman (david@catawbariverkeeper.org) at the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation (704-679-9494).  It is not necessary to sign up before July 9, but it would help us make sure we have enough materials for everybody if you sign up in advance of July 9.

To learn even more about MWW, visit www.muddywaterwatch.org.  Here, you will find additional descriptions, contact information, training dates at other locations, training materials, and much more. 

Less than 1% of all the water on the planet is available fresh water