Water Resources

Goal

Plentiful, high quality surface and groundwater resources that protect the quality of life for residents and all ecosystems, especially wetlands, by reducing the impacts on these systems.

Of the workshop attendees on April 26, 2003, 92.3% agreed or strongly agreed with this goal statement.

Objectives

Listed in order of urgency for implementation:

• Gather and assess data needed to protect key water resource areas and to develop growth strategies. Data to be collected includes, but is not limited to the following:
  • Hydrology and hydraulic studies
  • Soil analysis
  • Historic surveys
  • Longitudinal profiles
  • Vegetation
  • Stormwater run-off
  • Floodplains, wetlands, etc. This data will help to determine carrying capacity.
• To have an education program that:
  • Educates elected officials to provide authority and resources.
  • Educates stakeholders (e.g., residents, landowners, business owners, developers) as to how land-use affects water resources and to promote low impact development and green development.
  • Educates the educators, establishes environmental education in schools, develops interpretive signage for natural resource features and drainage, and establishes a Watershed Watch Program and voluntary monitoring.
  • Develop and enforce ordinances that support water resource objectives and goals.
  • Tie in land use study with development of comprehensive plan.
  • Utilize design solutions that reduce impervious surfaces, bring water and stormwater to public attention, and increase use of native landscaping.