Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week is June 6-14, celebrating the largest estuary in the United States. Waterways within the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany region feed into the Upper James River, then flow nearly 350 miles to the Chesapeake Bay.
💦How we Act Regionally for a Clean Watershed:
1. Supporting Tree Plantings in the Region
Tree plantings enhance water quality by slowing rainfall, increasing infiltration, and reducing stormwater runoff. They absorb water and remove nutrients and contaminants like nitrogen and phosphorus, while stabilizing erosion and improving watershed health along streambanks.
2. Rain Barrel Workshops
Rain barrels improve water quality by capturing rainwater from rooftops before it flows into storm drains and nearby streams as polluted runoff. This helps reduce erosion, flooding, and the amount of fertilizers, sediment, and other pollutants that reach local waterways.
3. Septic Pump-Out Program
Regular septic maintenance prevents system failures that could release untreated wastewater into groundwater, streams, and lakes. By removing accumulated solids, pump-outs reduce the risk of contaminants reaching nearby water, protecting drinking water sources and help keep watersheds healthier.
Learn how we help residents in the region with our free septic pump out program.
4. Water Quality Education
We engage in public education and outreach to promote environmental sustainability and encourage participation in water protection efforts. We partner with nonprofits, schools and public agencies throughout the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany region.
Links:
Learn more about our regional water quality and sustainability initiatives.
RVARC Septic Pump Out Program in Roanoke and Craig Counties
Learn more about how to celebrate Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week.
