Starting tomorrow, Durham scientists and engineers will embark on an expedition to assess the health of local creeks including Stirrup Iron, Brier, and Lick creeks. As mentioned in a Durham City announcement, this operation is part of the Southeast Durham Watershed Improvement Plan, designed to improve water quality for the city's diverse inhabitants.
Running until May 31, the crews will navigate through not only the creeks but also ponds and wetlands across Southeast Durham. With a blend of suburban and industrial landscapes, this 33-square-mile area channels untreated stormwater runoff into larger bodies of water crucial to the well-being of the region. Experts on site will pinpoint potential locations for advanced stormwater control measures, as City Watershed Restoration Engineer Raven McLaurin told the City's news release, "This initiative is a critical step for identifying areas with the potential for water quality projects."
These control measures are varied, ranging from constructed wetlands to rain gardens and are aimed at significantly reducing pollutants entering the water systems. With these improvements, the driving goal is to protect water sources like Falls Lake, Raleigh’s primary source of drinking water, and the broader Neuse River Basin that flows into the Atlantic Ocean.
Collaboration is a key factor in the success of such projects, as emphasized by Durham County Stormwater Manager McKenzie Bradshaw. "This partnership between the City and County allows us to take a comprehensive approach to improving water quality in the region," Bradshaw explained in a statement to Durham's press release. Fulfilling the area's environmental and residential needs, these teams will explore every nook of the Southeast Durham water bodies.
Residents interested in following the progress of the watershed health checks can visit the project webpage for more information, including contact details, project status updates, and to check out the watershed map. Eager to keep the community informed, city officials encourage locals to sign up for project updates by emailing [email protected].
