In an effort to protect the source of our drinking water, we are partnering with Upstate Forever to implement a watershed-based plan for the Three and Twenty Creek Watershed. A watershed is simply an area where every drop of water that falls within the area drains to a common point. The common point for the Three and Twenty Creek Watershed is Lake Hartwell, with the majority of the watershed draining directly to our drinking water intake. See the shaded green area below for the watershed boundary.
The Three and Twenty Creek Watershed-Based Plan addresses potential sources of bacteria, sediment, and nutrient pollution and identifies critical areas for protection and restoration throughout the watershed. A variety of projects including, but not limited to, land protection, septic tank repair/replacement, agricultural and stormwater best management practices, riparian buffer restoration, et al. are eligible for 60% or more cost sharing. The full plan can be read and downloaded here.
If you’re interested in participating or learning more, please don’t hesitate to contact Trey Burns, our Sustainability Manager, at tburns@arjwater.com.