The Dawgs are Back in Town

August in Athens means slightly cooler temperatures, more people, and an increase in the amount of pets. We’d like to remind everyone with animals to be responsible neighbors and pick up after your dogs. Not only is pet waste unsightly; fecal coliform, the main bacteria in animal waste, is one of the largest pollutants of Athens’ streams and rivers. When it rains, stormwater runoff travels along sidewalks and roads, picking up pollutants, such as pet waste, on its way to the storm drains. From there, it flows directly into our waterways. Once in the water, pet waste can:

Kill aquatic life and disrupt stream habitats as it decays
Contain bacteria and parasites which can make people sick
Contain nutrients that plants use, leading to large algae growth. Algae uses up oxygen necessary for animals and more beneficial plants to survive.

You can help stop poo-llution! Make sure to carry bags on every walk to properly dispose of your dog’s waste. Picking up after your dog helps keep you, your family, and our waterways healthy. Call the Stormwater office at 706-613-3440 for more information or to request informational materials for your neighborhood, apartment complex, or local animal clinic.

We Want to Hear From You!

Have questions about the Stormwater Program? Curious about how your Stormwater Utility Fee is calculated? Unsure about our local ordinances relating to stormwater? We are soliciting feedback about our program and want to hear from you. Submit any questions or comments you have on our online form and you will hear back from someone within 48 hours.

Upcoming Events

KACCB’s Keepin’ It Clean Dirty Dance Party
Saturday, August 26, 5:00–9:00 pm
Little Kings Shuffle Club (223 W. Hancock Avenue)

Partner organization Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful (KACCB) is hosting its 7th annual Dirty Dance Benefit. This event raises funds for KACCB’s mission of working toward a cleaner, more beautiful environment. The event starts at 5:00 PM and will feature dinner for sale from the Hi-Lo Lounge, dance performances, face painting, crafts, awesome raffle baskets, a photo booth, and of course, dancing!

A $5.00 suggested donation (and $3.00 for kids) will grant you access into this fun, family event. Tickets can be purchased at the door and raffle tickets can be purchased from any Board Member. Find more information at keepathensbeautiful.org.

Athens Water Festival
Saturday, September 9, 10:30am-2:00pm
Sandy Creek Park (400 Bob Holman Road)

Be a Sewer Hero at this year’s Athens Water Festival! This is a family friendly event all about water, hosted by the ACC Water Conservation Office with support from ACC Stormwater and ACC Leisure Services. Participate in hands-on activities & games, meet sea-life and other critters, and splash with the water trucks. There is a $2 entry fee into the park, but all the activities are FREE! Make sure to bring your swimsuit and a water bottle. Visit www.athenswaterfestival.com for more information.

Contact Us

ACC Stormwater Management Program
Department of Transportation and Public Works
Athens-Clarke County Unified Government
120 W. Dougherty Street
Athens, GA 30601
706-613-3440
stormwater@athensclarkecounty.com
www.athensclarkecounty.com/stormwater

Notice Dumping?

Call the Stormwater Hotline at 706-614-1282 if you see someone dumping into a storm drain or notice flooding due to clogged drains or pipes.