Stormwater by the Numbers: 2025 in Review

2025 was another amazing year for the Stormwater Management Program. This year, we:

• Taught 2,753 K–12 students about stormwater
• Reached 1,716 community members at outreach events
• Distributed 1,317 educational materials
• Decaled 55 storm drains with the help of 17 volunteers
• Celebrated all things water with 1,300 attendees at the Athens Water Festival
• Hosted one volunteer stream cleanup on UGA’s campus
• Helped 18 workshop participants build 20 rain barrels for their yards
• Sent 9 newsletters to more than 500 monthly subscribers

…and none of it would have been possible without YOU. Thank you for making 2025 memorable, Athens. We can’t wait to see what we accomplish together in 2026!

Stormwater Resolutions for the New Year

Tired of the typical New Year’s resolutions like going to the gym, learning a new language, or pledging to read more? This year, consider a few simple resolutions that can make a real difference for our local waterways.

1. Install a Rain Barrel

Did you know that a single rain barrel can save around 1,300 gallons of water during peak summer months? While this water isn’t suitable for drinking, it’s perfect for outdoor watering—an activity that can account for up to 40% of household water use during the summer. Rain barrels also help reduce runoff and keep pollutants out of our waterways. Keep an eye out for our next rain barrel workshop, coming Spring 2026.

2. Plant Native Species

Planting native species supports local pollinators like bees and butterflies while also being water-efficient and low-maintenance. Native plants are adapted to our local climate, meaning they typically thrive without fertilizers and require fewer pesticides than traditional lawns.

3. Reduce Chemical Fertilizer Use

Excessive use of chemical fertilizers can wash into nearby waterways, harming aquatic ecosystems and contributing to water pollution. Choosing natural alternatives, such as compost, and using fertilizers sparingly can help protect local wildlife and water quality. Finished, screened compost is available for purchase at the Athens-Clarke County Landfill for $20 per cubic yard.

Small changes at home add up to big benefits for our community. Thank you for making stormwater-smart choices in 2026!

Behind the Scenes: What Stormwater Does All Year Long

While community events, workshops, and volunteer events are often the most visible parts of the Stormwater Management Program, much of our work happens behind the scenes.

Our team regularly inspects and maintains stormwater infrastructure across Athens-Clarke County, including pipes, culverts, ditches, and streams. This work helps prevent flooding, reduce erosion, and ensure stormwater can move safely away from roads, homes, and neighborhoods.

We also respond to erosion and drainage concerns reported by residents. Whether it’s sediment washing into a stream, a failing pipe, or a drainage issue affecting a yard or roadway, staff work to assess problems, prioritize repairs, and identify long-term solutions that protect both property and water quality.

In addition to field work, stormwater planning is always underway. Our program coordinates closely with businesses and other county departments to design and implement projects, maintain compliance with environmental regulations, and plan improvements that will serve the community for years to come.

Much of this work may go unnoticed, but it plays a critical role in protecting our waterways and supporting a resilient community. Thank you for helping make it possible!