Public Involvement

Stormwater runoff is the leading cause of impairment of our nation’s lakes and streams. The City of Monroe Engineering Department offers three exciting volunteer programs to provide the opportunity for families, local business owners, civic groups, neighborhood organizations, youth groups, churches and academic institutions to be engaged in protecting local water quality. The objectives of these programs are to increase community involvement and awareness of the City’s water resources, promote watershed-based environmental education, increase reporting of water quality problems, and to improve water quality and stream habitats.

Adopt-A-Stream Program

Streams and creeks in the City of Monroe serve many uses, ranging from carrying stormwater runoff to providing habitats for fish, turtles, birds and other wildlife. Groups are assigned a steam segment to clean up. By committing to the program, your group or organization agrees to collect litter along your adopted stream twice a year for at least two years. The City will provide trash bags, gloves, waders, safety vests and trash grabbers. This program is available to ages 10+ and is great for larger groups and clubs.

Storm Drain Marking Program

The City of Monroe’s storm drain marking program is a way for residents to get involved in improving the water quality of the City’s streams and lakes. Volunteers will glue markers on the edge of City storm drains. The markers remind people that only rainwater should go down these drains. The storm drain marking program is a simple yet effective way to help educate our residents and remind everyone that stormwater does not get treated; it flows directly to our creeks and streams. This program is available to ages 6+ and the City provides drain markers, glue, gloves and safety vests.

Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program

City staff will fully facilitate water monitoring events and provide all supplies. Volunteers will collect water samples from a local stream and use test kits to measure water quality. They will also complete a physical habitat assessment of the stream site. This program is available to ages 8+ and groups can enter their data into the NC Stream Watch Dashboard to be part of a statewide citizen science effort.

Resources

The City of Monroe works hard to protect the water quality in local streams and lakes. It is essential that residents become involved in protecting the health of our local water bodies. To participate in a volunteer program, please contact the Environmental Educator at 704-282-4538 or email edowling@monroenc.org