The Water Log: Do you know where your water comes from?

Happy New Year from the Clean Water team at Upstate Forever!  

We are looking forward to another successful year partnering with a diverse group of stakeholders to protect water quality in the Upstate. As our region’s population continues to grow, so do impacts on water quality. To help us tackle these tough issues the Clean Water program has added an additional team member, Rebecca Wade. Read on to learn more about Rebecca, but first, we have an upcoming opportunity to learn more about where your water comes from and how you can help keep it clean! 

As always, thank you for your interest in the protection of our precious water resources and your support for Upstate Forever.  

Best wishes for a safe and joyful New Year,

Erika Hollis
Clean Water Director
Upstate Forever

Do you know where your water comes from? 

Find out on a tour of Anderson Regional Joint Water System’s treatment facility

UF members are invited for a tour of Anderson Regional Joint Water System (ARJWS)'s water treatment facility on Saturday, February 19 from 10 am-12:00 pm. You'll learn about the history of ARJWS, get up close and personal with the water treatment plant, and hear from Trey Burns, Sustainability Manager at ARJWS, and Erika Hollis, Clean Water Director about actions you can take to protect drinking water sources. 

Participants are asked to mask and maintain social distancing. 

Click here to RSVP now

What we’re doing to protect the Upstate’s water resources in 2022

2021 was a momentous year for land and water conservation in Upstate SC (read more about UF’s 2021 successes here), and we’re excited to carry that momentum into 2022. Our top priorities for this year are:

• Partnering with the Clemson Center for Watershed Excellence to create a strategic plan to help landowners reduce runoff and improve water quality in the Twelve Mile River watershed in Pickens County. 
   
• Working with landowners in the Tyger River and 3&20 Creek watersheds to install nonpoint source water pollution control projects (such as septic system repairs, agricultural best management practices, and land protection) to reduce pollution contributions to SC bodies of water. Implementation of these Watershed-Based Plans, made possible with 319 Grant assistance from SCDHEC, will allow us to work toward conserving our state’s clean water for drinking, recreation, and natural ecosystems for years to come.  
   
• Participation in SC State Water Planning efforts in the Broad River Basin to ensure the development of a well-balanced plan that manages growth and conservation as related to water supply.  
   
• Continuing ongoing community outreach and education about the Value of Water. We aim to host and participate in events pertaining to water-related issues such as equity, flooding, and stormwater issues. Our goal is for members of our community to develop a sense of awareness and stewardship surrounding our state’s water resources. 

Stay tuned for updates on our progress toward these goals in the months ahead! 

Welcome our new Clean Water Associate, Rebecca Wade! 

Upstate Forever is excited to welcome Rebecca Wade to the Clean Water program.  

Rebecca earned her bachelor's degree in Biology and Philosophy from Furman University and is in pursuit of her Masters of Natural Science and Environmental Education from Hamline University. Her interests include environmental justice, equity, environmental advocacy, and environmental education. In her free time, Rebecca loves to enjoy the outdoors by running, hiking, biking, paddling, and climbing with her husband and two dogs. She is delighted to join the UF team and apply her background in environmental education and conservation through her work as Clean Water Associate. Welcome, Rebecca!

UNTIL NEXT TIME

Thank you for joining me for The Water Log, Upstate Forever's periodic newsletter dedicated to clean water issues and advocacy!

If you would like to receive The Water Log in your inbox or know someone who might like to receive this newsletter, please send them to this link to sign up: upstateforever.org/email

Have clean water questions or comments? Want to see if you qualify for septic repair assistance? Contact me at ehollis@upstateforever.org.