The following publications are available for viewing:

Citizen's Guide to Nonpoint Source Pollution - Nonpoint source pollution occurs when rainfall, snowmelt, or irrigation runs over land or through the ground, picks up pollutants, and deposits them into rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. This type of pollution has been identified as the largest contributor to water quality problems in our streams. Click on the following brochure that was designed to provide an overview of the nature of nonpoint source pollution and solutions to the pollution:

Citizen's Guide To Nonpoint Source Pollution (PDF)
Citizen's Guide To Nonpoint Source Pollution - Spanish (PDF)

Reducing Pet Waste Pollution - Fecal coliform, bacteria that indicates the presence of fecal matter in a waterway, has been identified as a significant nonpoint source pollutant in several of Gwinnett's waterways. In response to the problem, Gwinnett County Stormwater Management has teamed up with Gwinnett County Department of Parks and Recreation and Clean and Beautiful to start an educational campaign called "Pick It Up…It's Your Doodie (PDF Format)". The program is aimed at preventing animal wastes from polluting our waterways.

Food Service Industry - The improper disposal of grease into the sanitary sewer system and storm drainage system is very common in the food service industry. Improper maintenance of grease traps in the sanitary sewer system causes stormwater quality problems because excess grease causes the sanitary sewers to clog, overflow, and pollute our streams. In an effort to inform and educate restaurant operators about the proper methods of cleaning and disposal of grease, the Menu for Cleaner Environment was prepared for distribution to restaurants.

Menu For Cleaner Environment (English)
Menu For Cleaner Environment (English/Spanish)

Gwinnett Adopt-A-Stream - Gwinnett Adopt-A-Stream has a number of publications that keep the public informed about program activities and opportunities. Take a moment to look through the program's informational brochure. The quarterly Gwinnett Adopt-A-Stream newsletter, The Gwinnett River, is also available in PDF format.

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Storm Drain Stenciling - Gwinnett County's stenciling and door hanger program helps create awareness about the difference between stormwater and sanitary sewer systems. Volunteers choose a neighborhood in their area and share the message "No Dumping - Leads to Stream" by stenciling catch basins and distributing an informational door hanger to every household. Gwinnett StormWater Management provides the volunteers with the supplies they will need to spread the message. For more information, view the links below or call 678.376.6931.

Program Brochure
Fish Door Hanger
Stenciling Request Form

Car Washing Postcard - A fun and informative postcard that explains the water quality issues associated with vehicle washing and gives citizens tips for preventing stormwater pollution as they keep their vehicles squeaky clean.Wash Your Car, Not The Stream

Septic Tank Maintenance - It is estimated that Gwinnett County has in excess of 90,000 septic tanks. Additionally, Gwinnett County has 127 miles of stream that are not meeting their designated use of fishing and water supply because they exceed the standard for fecal coliform. Failing septic tanks are considered an easily identifiable source of fecal coliform bacteria. Septic tanks that are not maintained can also result in expensive repairs. A Septic Tank Maintenance Folder was developed as a tool for homeowners with septic tanks to track what type of system they have, when it was installed, and when it was last maintained.

Septic Tank Maintenance Information

Iron Bacteria - If you've seen a slimy, brown residue or oily sheen in your local waterway or storm drain, it could be the result of iron bacteria, a naturally occurring microorganism. Learn more about this bacteria by reading our iron bacteria fact sheet. Remember, if you are unsure whether or not you have found a naturally occurring bacteria or a possible pollutant, please report the incident to Gwinnett County's 24-hour reporting hotline at 678.376.7000.

Utility Bill Inserts - Gwinnett has developed several water and sewer bill inserts addressing various nonpoint source pollution issues.

  • Landscaping and Lawn Maintenance

    • Leaves and Grass Clippings (Gardening)
    Watering Ban Survival Guide
    Fertilizers and pesticides
    Water Conservation
    General Lawn Care
    Leaves and Composting

  • Wastewater Information
    • Fat-Free Drains (Grease)
    Maintaining Your Septic System
    Septic Systems and Wastewater Treatment
    Septic Tank Puzzle
    Do You Have a Septic Tank?

  • Pet Waste

    • Pick it Up

  • General NonPoint Source:

    • Be a Solution to Water Pollution
    Preventing Water Pollution
    Report Problems You See
    Videos Available

  • Vehicle Maintenance

    • Do You Service Your Car?
    Car Washing at Home

    U.S. Geological Survey
    The Georgia water-resources office of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources are pleased to announce a publication about water quality in Gwinnett County titled "Does land use affect our streams? A watershed example from Gwinnett County, Georgia, 1998-2001".

    Erosion and Sediment Control
    Sediment muddies our waters, destroys wildlife habitat, clogs our drainage system and causes flooding, reduces property values, and creates the need for expensive dredging of water sources. Proper erosion and sediment control measures can reduce construction's impact on Gwinnett County's streams and rivers. To assist builders and developers in protecting our waterways, the following publications have been made available.

    Erosion and Sediment Control for Development Sites
    Erosion and Sediment Control for Home Builders

    Clean Water Campaign
    The Clean Water Campaign (CWC) is a collaborative public education initiative that brings together local, state, and federal government agencies, environmental and community groups, and corporate partners who all share the common vision of protecting water quality in metro Atlanta. The mission of Clean Water Campaign is to educate the general public about the sources of water pollution due to stormwater runoff, and its negative effects on our water supply, recreational opportunities, aquatic ecosystems, and quality of life. Please click on some of the links below to view some of the educational publications that they have developed in PDF format.