State of Our Streams

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


State of Our Streams is an annual report to city residents about the health and cleanliness of the city’s creeks. The report is based on conditions at about 30 sites across the city. Stormwater Services 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. This report also covers 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 report here (PDF) or view archived reports from past years here.
 
 

Waterways


Waterways is a newsletter that informs residents about stormwater issues. Volumes are available going back to 2006.
Date Waterways Topic
 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
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)
November 2009 Plant Trees for Clean Water (PDF)
July 2009 Clean Cars, Dirty Water (PDF)
July 2008 Dog Waste Stations, Stream Stories (PDF)
March 2008 Stormwater Drainage Systems and Ponds (PDF)
August 2007 Adopt-a-Stream, Cooking Grease Tips (PDF)
January 2007 City Council Adopts New Stormwater Ordinance (PDF)
July 2006 Updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps (PDF)

Public Service Announcements


Learn more about stormwater and how you can help protect our creeks and streams with these videos: