Water Pollution

Reduce non-point source pollution at local government facilities by ensuring the staff and operations are meeting National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit requirements. After completing a plan, revisit and revise the goals and strategies every 2 years based on implementation results and new information. Expand support for local water quality efforts through outreach about recycled water and source water quality. Improve road drainage around waterbodies and waterways to reduce stormwater runoff and erosion. Phase out septic systems where necessary to protect public health and water quality. Develop funding mechanisms to help homeowners with the cost of septic-to-sewer conversion. Encourage the use of treatment wetlands to manage additional wastewater. Develop and implement a jurisdiction-wide green infrastructure plan that supports vegetation-based stormwater management best practices and strategies for managing urban heat. Evaluate the viability and costs of new advanced reclaimed water treatment technologies to increase water quality for potable reuse. Plant native vegetation in the buffer around lakes to help maintain their ecological health and water quality. Evaluate potential sources of contamination and current practices to protect water quality (e.g., gas stations). Foster innovation, development and exchange of ideas for addressing climate impacts. Monitor and track current water conditions and create a baseline report. Compile an expert panel to analyze and identify key stressors on lakes and how to address them to improve the quality. Design policies and incentives for private landowners, businesses and landlords to plant native species and reduce the use of fossil fuel derived fertilizers and pesticides. Examine the effects of climate change and sea level rise on water availability and groundwater vulnerability to saltwater intrusion. Consider potential changes in precipitation and evapotranspiration Evaluate climate-related risks for sludge and biosolids mobility, contamination, storage, and/or processing. Ensure sludge and sewage processing facility placement and design minimize health and environmental Conduct or update an area-wide hydrological assessment to identify alternative water sources. Create a prioritized list of sources based on reliability and cost. Follow-up with a feasibility assessment Implement stormwater projects that reduce pollution and capture local water supply. Convene a forum to conduct a joint assessment and planning strategy. Involve local water utilities, wastewater service providers, water managers and other partners to achieve a coordinated consideration Integrate projected increases in wildfire frequency and intensity into watershed management and planning, dam and raw water reservoir operations and dam emergency planning. Increase the number of public water systems and publicly owned wastewater treatment works implementing an asset management program. Asset management programs facilitate the ability to track maintenance,