The publications below were written for Durham residents to learn about stormwater issues and to provide updates on the condition of Durham’s creeks. More technical reports, such as those required under the City’s NPDES permit, are also available.
State of Our Streams
The State of Our Streams is an annual communication to city residents about the health and cleanliness of the city’s creeks and rivers. It's based on conditions at about 30 sites across the city. The Water Quality group takes samples monthly to assess conditions throughout the year.
In watersheds where
staff is able to take a wide variety of
tests the watershed is also given a grade. These infographics also cover the types of water pollution found and eliminated in each creek by stormwater investigation and inspection programs.
You can view the most current State of Our Streams infographics on each individual
watershed page or view
archived reports from past years.
Waterways
Waterways is a newsletter that informs residents about stormwater issues. Volumes are available going back to 2006.
| November 2020 |
Fall leaves, flood risk (PDF) |
| July 2020 |
Pet waste, stormwater fee, New Hope Creek plan (PDF) |
| November 2019 |
Northeast Creek TMDL, Floodplain Services (PDF) |
| July 2019 |
Car wash, Where to find stormwater info (PDF) |
| November 2018 |
Prevent stormwater pollution, Flood risk decoded, New flood maps (PDF) |
| July 2018 |
Grass Clippings, Skip the Straw, South Ellerbe Project (PDF) |
November 2017
|
Yard Waste Disposal, Clean Water Tips for Businesses (PDF)
|
July 2017
|
Eno River Plan, S. Ellerbe Stormwater Project, Recycle Oil (PDF)
|
Nov 2016
|
Drainage, Eno River Plan, Old Pipes Bad for Water (PDF)
|
July 2016
|
Videos, Little Lick Creek Plan, Creek Week (PDF)
|
November 2015
|
Healthy Lawns, Project Updates (PDF)
|
July 2015
|
New Floodplain Maps (PDF)
|
| November 2014 |
Trees, Yes. Leaves, No. (PDF) |
| July 2014 |
Flood Insurance Discounts, Little Lick Creek Restoration, STAR Program (PDF) |
| November 2013 |
Keep it Neat. Leaves and Grass off the Street! (PDF) |
| July 2013 |
Over-Fertilizing Our Lakes (PDF) |
| November 2012 |
Working Together for Clean Water (PDF) |
| July 2012 |
Proper Grease Disposal for Cleaner Creeks (PDF) |
| November 2011 |
When to Call the Water Pollution Hotline (PDF) |
| July 2011 |
Your Stormwater Dollars at Work (PDF) |
| November 2010 |
Rain Gardens, Canines for Clean Water (PDF) |
| July 2010 |
Cleaning up Falls and Jordan Lake (PDF) |
Public Service Announcements
Learn more about stormwater and how you can help protect our creeks and streams with these videos:
Service request:
Click or call 919-560-1200