Rivers Alive 2024 Recap

On October 19, nearly 200 UGA students and community members joined forces for Athens’s 26th annual Rivers Alive cleanup, part of Georgia’s statewide initiative to protect our waterways. Volunteers across multiple locations in Clarke County engaged in stream cleanups, invasive species removal, and water quality testing, while nearly 50 volunteers at five sites cleaned and decaled 175 storm drains in the Tanyard Creek and North Oconee watersheds. Special thanks to our dedicated volunteers, including those who have participated every year since Athens’s first Rivers Alive event!

Decaling storm drains is an essential part of keeping our streams clean. By marking these drains, we remind the community that any waste, litter, or pollutants entering them flow directly into our waterways, impacting water quality for people and wildlife alike. Together, our volunteers are helping make a lasting impact on local water health and raising awareness to protect our shared environment.

2025 Stormwater Calendars Available Soon!

We’re excited to announce that the 2025 ACCGov Stormwater Calendars will be available soon! This year’s calendar design is almost complete, and we’ll be placing our order by mid-November. Calendars are free and will be available for pickup at the Transportation and Public Works office and other ACCGov buildings. Starting Monday, November 4, you can reserve a copy by filling out the request form at accgov.com/stormwater. Those who complete the form will receive an email notification when their calendar is ready for pickup from our office at 120 W. Dougherty St. Don’t miss out on this year’s calendar—reserve yours soon!

A sneak peek of the 2025 Stormwater Calendar cover. Photo by Erik Hogan

Don't Trash That Pumpkin - Compost It!

After Halloween, give your pumpkin a second life by composting it! ACCGov Solid Waste encourages you to make your pumpkin disappear in a way that’s good for the planet. Just drop it in your compost bin, or bring it to a local composting site. Together, we can keep organic waste out of the landfill and create rich compost to nourish future gardens. So this year, let’s all make our pumpkins really disappear—compost them!

An important reminder from the ACCGov Solid Waste Department Instagram (@accsolidwaste)

Rain Barrel Maintenance

Keeping your rain barrel in good shape helps ensure a steady supply of water and prevents issues. Here’s how to maintain it through the seasons:

1. Prevent Odors
If your rain barrel starts to smell, it’s time for a cleanout! Aim to flush out the water once or twice a year, washing and rinsing the barrel thoroughly. This will keep it fresh and ready to use.

2. Control Mosquitoes
To avoid mosquitoes in your rain barrel, add a small amount of vegetable oil to the water—just enough to create a thin surface layer, which blocks mosquito larvae from developing. Larvicide briquettes are also effective and safe for use in rain barrels.

3. Fix Small Leaks
If you notice a leak around the spigot, reapply silicone gel to the area. This simple fix can prevent drips and keep your rain barrel operating smoothly.

With these easy tips, your rain barrel will stay clean, functional, and mosquito-free, ready to support your garden year-round!

Upcoming Events

Hallmark Holiday Community Event

Friday, November 22, 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Hallmark Mobile Home Park, 705 Spring Valley Rd.

Join us on November 22 for the Hallmark Holiday Community Resource Fair, hosted by Pinewoods Library and The Mobile Team! Held at Hallmark Mobile Home Park (705 Spring Valley Road, Athens, GA 30605), this festive event is an opportunity for community members and organizations to connect and celebrate the season. Come explore a variety of resources and discover ways to support our vibrant Athens community. We look forward to seeing you there!

Contact Us

Stormwater Management Program
Department of Transportation and Public Works
Athens-Clarke County Unified Government
120 W. Dougherty Street
Athens, GA 30601
706-613-3440
stormwater@accgov.com
www.accgov.com/stormwater

Notice Dumping?

Call the Stormwater Hotline at 706-614-1282 if you see someone dumping into a storm drain or notice flooding due to clogged pipes.