Media Campaign

Ad Campaign:  Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm water Services conducts an advertising campaign promoting "clean water" and volunteer initiatives. The ad campaign started in 1998 and includes TV, radio and print. In 2004, the "Keep It Clear" campaign was introduced. It is a "total package" campaign developed by a creative consulting firm to educate and involve the citizens of Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The campaign includes print, radio, television, billboard and mobile billboard media. In 2006 a new request for proposals was written for new creative. The new ads went on the air in May 2007.

Brochures:  A series of water quality brochures describing causes of and solutions to storm water pollution, as well as storm water volunteering programs, is on display in government buildings and continuously available to the public.

Utility Bill Inserts: Mailed with utility bills, the inserts reach more than 250,000 households and businesses monthly.

Programs

Educational Presentations:  Staff conducts general water quality educational presentations for community groups and schools upon request.   This program has been in effect since 1986.

Public Events:  Displays are presented at such events as Earth Day, Spring Show, school open-house events, town festivals, Storm Water Services public meetings, etc.

Workshops

Pesticide, Herbicide and Fertilizer Education: Staff provides educational information to residents, businesses (including retailers of lawn chemicals), local governments and industry on the proper use and storage of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers to prevent discharges to surface waters. In addition, Clean Streams, Green Lawns was created locally by NC Cooperative Extension Service and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services. This program has been in effect since 1994.

Illicit Connections/Improper Disposal Education: Develops and implements activities to increase education, awareness and involvement of citizens in the reduction of water pollution and elimination of illegal discharges through the distribution of environmental notices and other educational information. This program has been in effect since 1986.

Used Oil/Household Hazardous Waste Education: Educates the public concerning the proper handling and disposal of used oil and other automotive wastes as well as household hazardous waste through the distribution of brochures and other print media. This program has been in effect since 1994.

Industrial Facilities Education:  Educates industrial facilities and commercial businesses concerning effective best management practices (BMPs) for the control of storm water pollutants through the distribution of brochures and other print media. In addition, an annual seminar is conducted for industrial/commercial facilities to provide them with information regarding the measures necessary to reduce pollutants in storm water runoff. This program has been in effect since 1994.

Construction Site Erosion Control Education:  The City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County offer training and certification for those involved in construction and other professions where land is developed or disturbed. The seminars address the permits and inspections required under the various local sediment and erosion control ordinances. This program has been in effect since 1999.

For more information on the Public Education and Outreach programs in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, please contact City Water Quality Educator Jennifer Frost at 704-432-0970 or County Water Quality Educator Erin Oliverio at 704-336-5595.