General Ideas for Action

#1 Work with other samplers in your area to better understand your water quality data and publicize your efforts. Your local newspaper or library can be helpful ways to get the word out.

#2 Use the Watershed Watch Data Portal to find and compile your results and create interpretive maps. A tutorial is linked at the top of the homepage.

#3 Contact your Basin Coordinator to find out if additional water quality data is available through the Kentucky Division of Water or other sources.

#4 Think through some interesting historical and natural tidbits about your creek and share them with local leaders and community groups during a creek walk outing.

#5 Contact your local newspaper or radio station about developing a special interest story on a local stream, river or lake or make a short video explaining any issues and current efforts to protect or improve its condition and post it online.

#6 If issues are identified, work with others in your community to determine potential causes. Google Maps is a great way to get an overview of land activities taking place around your stream site.

· If agricultural in nature, contact your local NRCS or Soil Conservation District to discuss and try to find possible solutions.

· If stormwater-related, contact your city or county engineer to discuss possible measures to better manage urban runoff.

· If septic-related, contact your county health department about issues and how they can possibly be addressed.

· If sewer-related, contact your local sewer district or city manager or engineer to discuss leak detection and other methods of further investigation.

#7 Form a “Friends of _____________ Creek” group to strengthen efforts.

#8 Work with others to pursue funding donations or grants for water improvement projects.

#9 Work with your local drinking water provider as a potential partner. They want to protect your water source too! Click here to learn more about your drinking water provider.

#10 Use the principles of Community-Based Social Marketing to deliver your message and gain collaboration. See Fostering Sustainable Behavior: Community Based Social Marketing.