Public Education & Engagement

How does the Stormwater Program Educate the Public?

The leading cause of water pollution in the United States is stormwater runoff. As our city grows and urban development increases, so does the amount of runoff that ends up in our local rivers and streams. Many residents in the City of Fayetteville are unaware that stormwater flows untreated to our local rivers and streams. Stormwater never passes through a treatment plant before it is carried to the Cape Fear River and other water bodies in the area. It is the mission of the City of Fayetteville's Stormwater Management Program to educate its citizens about stormwater, and how to prevent pollution.

Hands-on Pollution Demonstrations

The Stormwater Program provides hands-on pollution demonstrations to schools, clubs, and organizations to show how urban development can impact our local rivers and streams. Demonstrations are available to any group within the Fayetteville city limits. If you are interested in having a hands-on pollution demonstration, please contact us at 910-433-1613, or by email kaylamills@fayettevillenc.gov.

Educational Opportunities

Bring environmental education straight to your classroom! The City of Fayetteville's Solid Waste and Stormwater teams are excited to come to your school to engage students in a fun, interactive lesson on environmental responsibility.

Our team will lead a dynamic discussion covering:

The importance of proper waste disposal
The value of recycling
How clean storm drains protect our neighborhoods and natural habitats

This is a hands-on learning opportunity that connects students to real-world environmental challenges - and empowers them to be part of the solution.

Schedule your in-school visit today and give your students a meaningful, standards-supported experience they won't forget! Book your educational opportunity here - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B48ACA829A7F8C52-57695787-solid#/. After signing up, please complete this form.

Public Events

Throughout the year, the Stormwater Program participates in various public events throughout the city. These events range from the Dogwood Festival downtown to setting up a booth at community outreach events. During these events, the Program will set up an informational booth stocked with pamphlets and giveaways. A staff member from the program will also be available to answer questions and provide additional information.

The Stormwater Program can also donate promotional materials such as brochures, pens and pencils if we are not able to attend the event. If such materials are requested, please contact the Stormwater Educator at 910-433-1613, or via email at kaylamills@fayettevillenc.gov.

If you have an event scheduled, and would like the Stormwater Program to be there, please contact us at 910-433-1613, or by email kaylamills@fayettevillenc.gov.

Advertising and Brochures

Throughout the year, the Stormwater Program runs several commercials on television and, places advertisements in different magazines and newspapers. These advertisements are used to promote the fact, "When it Rains, it Drains". There are also brochures available to the public about stormwater runoff, and the City's solution to stormwater pollution.

Street_Sweeping_Services_brochure.pdf(PDF, 6MB)

Public Involvement

The Stormwater Program welcomes public involvement through the Stormwater Advisory Board and other stakeholders' groups. The Stormwater Advisory Board is appointed by the City Council and meets once monthly to gather citizen input on the issues facing the Stormwater Program. The group discusses policy and ordinance changes, stays abreast of water quality concerns, and hears about the efforts of public awareness. To learn more about the Stormwater Advisory Board, please contact us at 910-433-1613, or visit the boards and commissions webpage to learn more.

Stormwater Management Ordinance

Why Communicate?

As a Public Information Specialist for Stormwater, winter weather offers several important topics to communicate to the public. When freezing temperatures hit, it's crucial to educate residents on preventing frozen pipes and drains, as well as encouraging the use of eco-friendly de-icing materials to reduce pollutants in stormwater runoff. Snow and ice accumulation also presents the risk of blocked storm drains, which could lead to localized flooding. Remind the public to clear drains of snow and ice and to avoid piling snow in drainage paths. Additionally, rain-on-snow events and thawing periods can increase the risk of flooding, so offering flood safety tips and maintaining stormwater infrastructure is essential during this time.

Other winter-related issues include the environmental impact of salt and chemicals used for deicing, which can negatively affect local water quality. By providing information about alternatives and reduced use, you can help mitigate these risks. Additionally, advise residents to winterize their outdoor infrastructure, such as disconnecting rain barrels, cleaning gutters, and properly managing yard waste to prevent clogs in stormwater systems. Offering emergency preparedness tips and making it easy for residents to report stormwater-related issues ensures that the community is better prepared for any winter weather challenges that may arise.