About us

Seek to understand

Lancaster County has almost 1,500 miles of streams. Over half are considered polluted, and about 300 miles are considered severely polluted. 

There are many causes, such as poorly managed stormwater draining, pesticides and fertilizers soaking into the groundwater, or industrial waste dumping. These problems not only affect our waterways, but also the health of our local plants and animals (including us humans).

These challenges are being tackled by landowners, communities, nonprofits, and research organizations with the shared goal to fix or reduce these problems. 

Explore best practices:

At Home

• Keep yard waste out of stormwater drains so they don't get blocked and flood

• Install rain barrels or a rain garden

• Make sure your plumbing is in good shape to prevent flood damage or waste leaks

• Use native plants because they use less water

• Keep impervious surfaces (like driveways) and lawns to a minimum to help guard against flooding

• Use as little fertilizer and pesticide as possible

On the Farm

• Fencing animals out of streams so they don't trample the banks and leave waste in the water

• Fertilizer, pesticide, and waste management to prevent seepage into groundwater and streams

• Put up fences stable crossings to keep animals from trampling down banks

With Your Community

• Stream restorations, like riparian barriers

• Understanding and improving water quality

• Dam removals to restore migratory aquatic species and improve water flow

• Tree and shrub plantings in riparian zones, so that roots can help stabilize the shore

• Stormwater structures, like swales and basins, to slow down stormwater drainage

Participate

Volunteering for watershed organizations is a great way to learn about the environment, get outside, develop new skills, and make connections in your community.

The CCWA hosts regular volunteer and educational events, like creek cleanups and Walks in the Park. 

Get involved!