What's a Watershed? Why Should We Care?

Week-long County Event To Answer Questions, Train Staff, Inform Public

Grease, motor oil and other pollutants get washed down San Diego County’s storm drains every day. Those drains lead to creeks, streams, rivers, lakes and eventually the ocean.

That pollution is something Board of Supervisors Chairman Greg Cox and the County wants to eliminate. Cox is hosting Watershed Awareness Week (WAW) June 16-20 to train staff and inform the public about how water quality can be improved.

“County employees can set an example for friends and neighbors when it comes to pollution prevention,” said Chairman Cox.”

WAW events begin June 16 with exhibits, explanations and employees at the County Administration Center west lawn from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. County Stormwater crews and managers will explain watersheds, pollution prevention devices and specialized equipment. Additional detailed information will be provided on the Project Clean Water website (www.projectcleanwater.org) and via e-mails about stormwater issues to County employees during the week.

Cox hosts the final event of the week, the 2003 Clean Water Summit at Point Loma Nazarene University on Friday, June 20, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Representatives from local universities, public agencies and governments will discuss planning, legislative and regulatory issues, science and technology, and education and resource development.

“Events throughout this week bring together government, community organizations, the scientific community and citizens in the move to protect our watersheds,” Chairman Cox said. “By encouraging 18,000 County employees to spread the word to others, we take a major step toward better-quality rivers, lakes and the ocean.”