Press Release: Southwest Michigan Water Quality Survey

Throughout the summer, the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission (SWMPC) will be conducting a survey of residents in Berrien and Cass counties to assess the community’s knowledge and level of concern with local water quality issues. The survey only takes 5-7 minutes to complete.

Visit www.letskeepitblue.org to take the survey online and to learn more.

The survey is part of the Storm Water Public Education Plan (PEP) for southwest Michigan. The goal of the PEP is to educate the public about water quality issues and the measures that can be taken to reduce pollution. The land in Berrien and Cass counties is either within the lower St. Joseph watershed, Galien watershed or has drainage flowing directly into Lake Michigan. Much of the polluted runoff which flows into local streams, rivers, and lakes, begins at home due to everyday activities associated with lawn and pet care, septic systems, infrastructure development, and other general auto and home maintenance actions.

The proper disposal of trash, auto oil and fluids, lawn byproduct such as pesticides/herbicides and fertilizer as well as grass clippings, animal wastes, and home cleaning products can assist in reducing pollution.

Properly maintaining septic systems and employing green infrastructure techniques such as rain gardens and rain barrels can also help reduce polluted runoff into local streams, rivers and lakes.

The goal of the survey is to assess change in community behavior and awareness concerning local water quality issues. This information will be used to adjust the goals and practices of PEP to more effectively reach and educate residents of southwest Michigan about water resources and their protection. 

Kristopher Martin
Associate Planner
Southwest Michigan Planning Commission
376 West Main Street, Suite 130
Benton Harbor, MI 49022-3651
Work Phone # 269-925-1137 x 1521
Email: kmartin@swmpc.org