Buncombe County is taking significant strides toward improving water quality with the launch of a new initiative aimed at reducing stormwater runoff. During the recent Environmental and Energy Stewardship Subcommittee meeting, RiverLink presented its "Disconnecting Downspouts" project, which has received a $25,000 grant from the county's Clean Water Fund.

The project addresses the critical issue of stormwater runoff, which is a major contributor to the impairment of local streams. According to RiverLink, Buncombe County has approximately 96 miles of streams that fail to meet water quality standards. Stormwater runoff, particularly from rooftops, is identified as a leading cause of this problem, carrying pollutants into the waterways and exacerbating issues like erosion and flooding.

Renee Porter, the director of programs at RiverLink, explained that the initiative will redirect downspouts away from storm drains and instead channel the water into rain barrels. This not only helps mitigate runoff but also provides residents with a resource for watering gardens and lawns. The project aims to target specific impaired streams, including Smithville Creek and the Central Asheville watershed, which encompasses parts of downtown Asheville.

In addition to the grant from Buncombe County, RiverLink secured $50,000 from the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina to support a public awareness campaign. This campaign will educate residents about the impacts of stormwater runoff and provide guidance on how to reduce it on their properties.

The initiative is expected to have a positive impact on local water quality and community engagement. By offering free rain barrels to low-income residents and a cost-sharing program for others, RiverLink is making it easier for the community to participate in environmental stewardship.

As Buncombe County continues to address its water quality challenges, the Disconnecting Downspouts project represents a proactive step toward a cleaner and healthier environment for all residents. The committee looks forward to monitoring the project's progress and its contributions to the county's water quality goals.