Good water quality is important to the well-being of aquatic and terrestrial species, human health and the economy. The water quality of freshwater streams is affected by human activities and land use practices (such as land clearing and urbanization). Runoff from streams and rainfall flows into the ocean and impacts coastal water quality. The University of California's Sea Grant Program is doing research to investigate the impact of terrestrial runoff on coastal water quality. Researchers plan to work with local water quality monitoring groups to educate the community and provide opportunities for community members to participate in water quality monitoring.
The UC Sea Grant Program is part of the California Water and Land Use Planning (CalWaLUP) partnership. Also, as part of the Nonpoint Source Education for Municipal Officials (NEMO) network, Sea Grant researchers work to educate local officials about protection of water resources and water quality through prevention of nonpoint source runoff.
ANNOUNCEMENT: Presentation for City Planners and Elected Officials
The University of California Sea Grant/Cooperative Extension programs and the California Coastal Commission are pleased to offer a basic educational presentation about land use, water quality and low-impact development (LID).
As representatives of the California Water and Land Use Partnership (CalWaLUP), we are members of the National NEMO (Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials) Network and share the organization's goal to educate local decision makers about the link between land use and water resources. You may be aware of NEMO programs that exist in many other coastal states (http://nemonet.uconn.edu/). Every NEMO program has a different target audience. Our program focuses on land use planners and local elected officials.
The basic presentation is an hour long with an additional half hour for discussion. If you are interested in attending a presentation or hosting one at your facility, please contact Monique Myers, D.Env., at UC Cooperative Extension, nicmyers@ucdavis.edu, or Tracy Duffey at the Coastal Commission, tduffey@coastal.ca.gov.
NEW! Fact Sheets: Water conservation in your own backyard
Water is a valuable resource in Southern California. It is important that we capture rainwater and allow it to soak into the ground where it can water plants and replenish groundwater supplies. Rain that falls on hard surfaces, such as buildings and asphalt, picks up pollutants as it flows. This "stormwater" is then directed to storm drains and ultimately ends up polluting our streams and oceans.
Individuals can help conserve water and prevent polluted stormwater runoff through wise gardening and land-use practices. These new information sheets (click on NEW! Green Building Info Sheets) provide useful tips for Southern California residents.