PA Resources Council, PA American Water Partner To Launch Watershed Education Initiative In Western PA

On May 4, the PA Resources Council announced it recently launched a watershed education initiative in western Pennsylvania that has the potential to remove nearly 3 million gallons of water annually from the stormwater system.

Thanks to support from American Water Charitable Foundation and Pennsylvania American Water, PRC is conducting a series of workshops, distributing 100 free rain barrels, and offering a discount for household chemical disposal.

“Many sources of pollution start in our own backyards, so PRC’s instruction addresses common sources such as lawn and garden care, car care, pet care, household chemical disposal and litter,” according to PRC Deputy Director Sarah Alessio Shea. “We are excited to promote water conservation and stormwater management practices in PA American Water service areas.” 

In addition to receiving information on basic stormwater runoff and watershed conservation, workshop participants learn the benefits of installing their free 55-gallon rain barrels in urban and suburban settings. 

“If 100 homes with a 1,000-square-foot base install these rain barrels, nearly three million gallons of water will be removed from the stormwater system annually, resulting in reduced flooding, reduced polluted runoff, and increased groundwater recharge,” says Shea. 

To further encourage residents to protect the watershed, PRC is providing a $10 discount to workshop participants to encourage responsible disposal of household chemicals by attending a PRC collection event.  

Throughout the year, PRC will host eight such collections.

The Watershed Pollution Reduction Education program launched April 15 at a workshop in Fayette County.  Two workshops are taking place in Allegheny County in May, with additional workshops to be announced.

For information about watershed protection, visit PRC’s Watersheds, Rain Barrels And Rain Gardens webpage.

For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA Resources Council website.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates, follow PRC on Twitter or Like them on Facebook.  Click Here for PRC’s Events Calendar.  Click Here to support their work.

PRC is Pennsylvania’s oldest grassroots environmental organization founded in 1939.  PRC has worked to protect resources for future generations through environmental education, recycling, waste diversion programs, anti-litter campaigns, watershed and other initiatives. 

Related Articles:

-- PA Resources Council Offers Free May 10 'Crash Course' Webinar On Backyard Composting During National Composting Week  [PaEN]

-- PA Resources Council Launches Hard-To-Recycle Collection Events In Allegheny County June 3  [PaEN]

[Posted: May 4, 2023]  PA Environment Digest