New fact sheet series empowers the public to protect S.C. water resources

Published: October 17, 2012

image by: Clemson University

CLEMSON — In an effort to help better protect the South Carolina's natural resources, Clemson University’s Home and Garden Information Center has launched a fact sheet series that provides solutions to today’s water resource challenges.

The series, called H2Ownership, is available as a free download from the information center website. More topics will be added soon.

Available for immediate download are fact sheets on floating wetlands and illicit discharges and water pollution.

"Floating Wetlands: Container Gardens for your Pond" explains how wetlands work and their role in the ecosystem. The fact sheet details how homeowners and communities can benefit from this pond feature that attracts wildlife and solves typical water-quality issues.

"Illicit Discharges and Water Pollution" explains the consequences of pollution of local rivers and streams through discharges down storm drains and into the storm sewer system, and how individuals can document their findings to curb this type of water pollution.

Fact sheets being developed include "Shorescaping for Tidal Areas," "Permeable Pavement Options," "Erosion Control on the Home Landscape" and several on maintenance and care of septic systems.

Katie Giacalone, statewide coordinator of Carolina Clear, Clemson University’s stormwater pollution education and awareness program, said the H2Ownership series looks specifically at South Carolina’s water resources and provides solutions to help improve water quality. These solutions are provided by agents and faculty of Clemson Extension and Clemson University, and each publication undergoes thorough peer review.

“The series covers topics that will be of interest to municipalities and homeowners,” Giacalone said. “The user-friendly fact sheets can be posted at offices and community buildings and be equally effective for homeowners associations or in individual’s backyards.”

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