Clean Water University - We Care About the Water!
Much research is conducted on water quality, quantity, resource management techniques and many other water-related topics. This research is conducted by universities, agencies, nonprofit organizations and private citizen groups. Currently, free access to this research is extremely limited. This limits education and application of knowledge and can promote duplication of research as well as reduced efficiency where partnerships would be useful.
You have entered CleanWater University - where we provide free access to research conducted by multiple sources - in one place.
This site is useful to researchers, watershed organizations, agencies, businesses and local officials. It provides a system to tap into to expand your knowledge, assist you in choosing and applying technology on the ground, and report successful methodologies for anything related to water quality or quantity issues.
Our current research question covers articles related to the following:
What are the benefits of riparian buffer zones and reasons for successes and failures of stream and bank restoration projects?
The Cumberland River Compact does not claim to be the experts – only to be able to put you in touch with the experts. The content on this site includes research that has not necessarily been peer-reviewed. Therefore the Cumberland River Compact does not endorse any of the ideas put forth by the authors. We are providing an educational conduit to useful information. If you find the research useful, please consider supporting our work by visiting www.CumberlandRiverCompact.org.
And now, read, think and act on behalf of the waters of our world.
Agriculture
http://www.ars.usda.gov/SP2UserFiles/Place/64080510/PDF/montana-report.pdf
Channel erosion on the Missouri River, Montana between Fort Peck Dam and the North Dakota Border. Culbertson, MT, Coordinated Resource Management Group, 1999.
http://economics.ag.utk.edu/bcstudy.html
Beaver Creek has gained national attention for its success and the implications of the results. Documents linked to this page discuss Beaver Creek, its implications and BMPs. The final report is a good place to start.
http://economics.ag.utk.edu/fas.html
The goal of Farm·A·Syst is to help farm families and rural residents assess and reduce risks affecting the quality of their water.
http://waterhome.brc.tamus.edu/projects/riparian.html
The Blackland Research Water Quality group is currently working on Water Quality research projects to develop Best Management Practices to reduce atrazine, sedimentation and nutrient losses from Central Texas farm and ranchland.
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Assessment of Water Quality (chemical, biological, visual)
http://water.usgs.gov/nawqa/pnsp/
The Quality of Our Nation's Waters Pesticides in the Nation's Streams and Ground Water, 1992-2001
http://www.epa.gov/storet/
STORET (short for STOrage and RETrieval) is a repository for water quality, biological, and physical data and is used by state environmental agencies, EPA and other federal agencies, universities, private citizens, and many others.
http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/methods/
Laboratory analytical methods used by industries and municipalities to analyze the chemical and biological components of wastewater, drinking water, sediment, and other environmental samples required by regulations under the authority of the Clean Water Act (CWA) and the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). Almost all of these methods are published as regulations at Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/criteria/
The Clean Water Act requires criteria for water quality that accurately reflect the latest scientific knowledge. These criteria are based on data and scientific judgments on pollutant concentrations and environmental or human health effects. Section 304(a) also provides guidance to states and tribes in adopting water quality standards. Criteria are developed for the protection of aquatic life as well as for human health.
http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/tools/
This EPA site lists a number of flow and quality testing methods.
http://www.epa.gov/water/water_efficiency.html
Learn more about what you can do to conserve water at home and what the Environmental Protection Agency is doing to promote water conservation in the home.
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Riparian Buffer Zone Case Studies
http://www.eightmileriver.org/resources/digital_library/appendicies/09c3_Rip
arian%20Buffer%20Science_YALE.pdf
Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies conducted this case study
on the Eightmile Rivershed for the Eightmile River Wild and Scenic Study
Committee. The study focuses on the riparian buffer zones present along the
banks of the rivers within the watershed discussing widths, types, and
functions of buffers and what factors may influence each.
http://internal.usn.org/wetlands/toyotagrant/toyota.html
Nashville's University School of Nashville undertook its own riparian repair
project by restoring 15 acres of wetlands on its newly acquired athletic
fields that lie on a plot of land adjacent to the Cumberland River. Aside
from benefits riparian buffer zones typically provide, the wetlands here are
used for educational activities as well. This website contains extensive
information on plant and animal life, water level records, student uses, and
much more.
http://www.tva.gov/river/landandshore/stabilization/benefits.htm
In restoring or maintaining a healthy riparian buffer zone, the use of
native vegetation is very important. Their utility and cost-effectiveness
far surpasses that of exotic plants such as turf grasses. On this site, the
Tennessee Valley Authority engages with common concerns presented by
waterfront property owners and skeptics of native vegetation use.
Riparian Buffers Benefits and Designs
This report was written at the request of officials in Tennessee, and provides a summary of the benefits of buffers, design criteria and options for buffer program design.
http://www.chesapeakebay.net/forestbuffers.aspx?menuitem=14780
This site describes the benefits of riparian (riverside) buffer zones and ways you can help protect riverbanks on your land.
http://www.epa.gov/ada/download/reports/600R05118/600R05118.pdf
This document reviews the scientific literature on riparian buffer width, vegetative cover and nitrogen removal effectiveness.
http://waterhome.brc.tamus.edu/projects/riparian.html
The Blackland Research Water Quality group is currently working on Water Quality research projects to develop Best Management Practices to reduce atrazine, sedimentation and nutrient losses from Central Texas farm and ranchland.
http://www.stormwatercenter.net/
The Center for Watershed Protection is a great resource whether you're a municiple leader, farmer, or citizen. For facts on aquatic buffers (from effective widths, planning practices, model ordinances and more) this site maintained by The Center has numerous fact sheets you will find useful.
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Federal Programs
http://www.epa.gov/surf/
Environmental Protection Agency's service to help citizens locate environmental information about their local watersheds and more.
http://www.epa.gov/owow/watershed/
We all live in a watershed -- the area that drains to a common waterway, such as a stream, lake, estuary, wetland, or even the ocean -- and our individual actions can directly affect it. EPA and its partners are working together on a watershed basis to protect the nation's water resources.
http://www.stream.fs.fed.us/
The Stream Systems Technology Center, or "STREAM TEAM " is a national technical center chartered to improve knowledge of stream systems and watershed hydrology, develop operational tools and technology, provide training and technical support, and identify research needs for the purpose of coordinating development of needed technology to secure favorable conditions of water flows. The Stream Systems Technology Center is part of the Washington Office Watershed, Fisheries, and Wildlife Staff.
http://www.usgs.gov/pubprod/
The U.S. Geological Survey is a multi-disciplinary science organization that focuses on biology, geography, geology, geospatial information, and water. This site is provides links to USGS books, publications maps, datasets, and related geoscience information.
http://water.usgs.gov/
Data, maps, publications, software … If the U.S. Geological Service has it and it’s about water – you’ll find it at this site.
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General Information
http://www.abe.msstate.edu/csd/NRCS-BMPs/pdf/streams/bank/riparianzone.pdf
This planning and design manual created by the Natural Resources
Conservation Service outlines the benefits of a riparian buffer zone as well
as providing information on how to best construct one on riverfront
property. The manual specifically touches on urban riparian sites and how to
accommodate human presence while still maintaining a healthy riparian
buffer.
http://www.tva.gov/river/landandshore/stabilization/index.htm
The Tennessee Valley Authority has created and compiled a plethora of fact
sheets and educational pamphlets with information on restoration of riparian
zones, maintenance of existing riparian zones, the importance of native
plant use, and much more. Each pamphlet is available in both html and PDF
format. Also included is a link to various websites the Tennessee Valley
Authority recommends for further information in these areas.
http://www.iisgcp.org/exoticsp/index.html
This joint project of the National SEA Grant Network and six Geographic Education Alliances provide readers with information on invasive aquatic species, including Zebra mussel, Hydrilla and many more. Invasive exotics have critical ecological and socioeconomic impacts across the country. On this site, you will learn what the species are, where they're located and how you can help to control them.
http://environmentalresearchweb.org
ERL’s companion community website will keep scientists, policymakers and campaigners up to the minute with the latest news and views on environmental topics from around the globe. The site’s coverage is in depth and wide-ranging, from climate change to biodiversity, from renewable energy to pollution, from economics to environmental legislation, and from health issues to sustainability.
http://www.iop.org/EJ/erl
Environmental Research Letters (ERL) is a high-impact, open-access, electronic-only Letters journal, which will provide a coherent and integrated approach including research articles and perspectives. ERL is the world's first open-access, electronic-only journal to cover the whole of environmental science and is now inviting submissions from all environmental researchers working in the forefront of the field.
http://www.plos.org/index.php
The Public Library of Science is a nonprofit committed to making the world’s scientific literature a public resource.
See also http://www.plos.org/about/index.html
http://www.privatelandownernetwork.org/
The Private Landowner Network is designed to assist and facilitate voluntary private land conservation initiatives. The website features conservation tools and programs for the benefit of private landowners. PLN provides an effective link to public conservation agencies through featured partnership programs, along with a national referral network of preferred service providers.
http://water.nationalacademies.org
The U.S. National Academies has launched its Water Information Center, a portal of more than 100 peer-reviewed reports from the National Academies on water-related issues. The website aims to assist the work of water scientists, engineers, managers, policy-makers, and students throughout the world. These reports represent independent and objective consensus among experts from academia, industry, and other entities and includes topics such as Water and Soil Remediation and Environmental Assessment, Management, and Restoration.
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Headwaters General Information
http://www.americanrivers.org/site/PageServer?pagename=AMR_content_27b3
American Rivers briefly summarizes the importance of maintaining healthy
headwaters and the various factors that threaten that health.
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Clean Water and Saving Money
http://www.epa.state.oh.us/dsw/wqs/headwaters/HWH_nonpoint_jan2003.pdf
The Ohio branch of the Environmental Protection Agency discusses its plans
for water pollution abatement in the state through headwater protection.
This fact sheet also explains the economic benefits of headwater protection.
http://www.state.tn.us/environment/srf/
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has extensive
information on both the Clean Water State Revolving Fund Loan Program and
the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Loan Program. Through both of these
important programs, new and old wastewater and drinking water programs can
receive low interest loans from the United States EPA and also a 20% funding
match from the state of Tennessee. Read further about the programs on this
web site.
http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/topics/water_quality_funding.htm
The United States Environmental Protection Agency understands that initial
costs of water quality management programs are not always easily affordable
despite their long term economic benefits. The EPA has put together a
database of grants, loans, and various funding programs that support good
watershed management and stewardship practices. The page contains links to
detailed descriptions of each of the programs listed.
International
http://www.solutions-site.org/artman/publish/cat_index_15.shtml
The Solutions Site was created by HORIZON International, in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme, the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Population Fund, UNICEF, HORIZON's colleagues at Harvard University, Yale University, and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) of Canada. The site provides a forum for solutions to concerns in the areas of health, population, development and the environment.
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Soil & Erosion
http://www.bae.uky.edu/WQ406/publications/TransASAE48(1)181-190.pdf
“Streambank Erosion Associated with Grazing Practices in the Humid Region” Agourdis, C.T., Edwards, D.R., Workman, S.R., Bicudo, J.R., Koostra, B.K., Vanzant, E.S., Taraba, J.L.; Soil and Water Division of American Society of Agricultural Engineers, 2004. This article examines results on streambanks due to specific Best Management Practice usage.
http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/
Official USDA soil information as viewable maps and tables for more than 2300 soil surveys.
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State Programs
http://www.georgiaplanning.com/watertoolkit/main.asp?PageID=24
The Georgia Water Resources Toolkit for Local Governments is the result of a collaboration between the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Association County Commissioners of Georgia, Georgia Municipal Association, and the Water Systems Council. The Water Resources Toolkit for Local Governments Web is a basic educational tool for local officials and employees new to water resource management and is also a valuable resource for elected officials and water resource staff already familiar with water management concerns.
http://www.tetratech-ffx.com/wstraining/pdf/esc_guide.pdf
Kentucky Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control Field Guide
http://www.water.ky.gov/homepage_repository/programs.htm
The Kentucky Division of Water homepage
http://tn.water.usgs.gov/publications/
The Tennessee U.S. Geological Survey is a multi-disciplinary science organization that focuses on biology, geography, geology, geospatial information, and water. This site is provides links to Tennessee USGS books, publications maps, datasets, and related geoscience information.
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Stormwater
http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/pdf/EPAParkingSpaces06.pdf
The approaches described in this report can help communities explore new, flexible parking policies that can encourage growth and balance parking needs with their other goals. The EPA developed this guide for local officials, planners, and developers.
http://www.tetratech-ffx.com/wstraining/pdf/esc_guide.pdf
Kentucky Stormwater BMP Manual This is Kentucky’s official sediment and erosion control document.
http://www.stormwaterauthority.org/library/view_article.aspx?id=293
StormwaterAuthority is a place where specifying engineers, contractors, developers, site owners and regulators can learn and share information. It’s a place to research best management practices and regulations. A place with the latest news on stormwater management and treatment.
http://www.state.tn.us/environment/wpc/sed_ero_controlhandbook/1.Introduction.pdf
Tennessee Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook This is Tennessee’s official sediment and erosion control document.
http://www.stormwatercenter.net/
The Center for Watershed Protection is a great resource whether you're a municiple leader, farmer, or citizen. For facts on aquatic buffers (from effective widths, planning practices, model ordinances and more) this site maintained by The Center has numerous fact sheets you will find useful.
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Stream Restoration
http://www.ars.usda.gov/research/projects/projects.htm?accn_no=404894
Environmentally Sound Stream Corridor Rehabilitation and Management in Agricultural Watersheds (This project is ongoing.)
http://www.ars.usda.gov/SP2UserFiles/Place/64080510/PDF/montana-report.pdf Channel erosion on the Missouri River, Montana between Fort Peck Dam and the North Dakota Border. Culbertson, MT, Coordinated Resource Management Group, 1999.
http://economics.ag.utk.edu/bcstudy.html
Beaver Creek has gained national attention for its success and the implications of the results. Documents linked to this page discuss Beaver Creek, its implications and BMPs. The final report is a good place to start.
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/stream_restoration/newgra.html
Stream Corridor Restoration: Principles, Processes and Practices. 1998. Federal Interagency Stream Restoration Working Group. This document is a result of cooperative effort among fifteen Federal agencies and partners to produce a common reference on stream corridor restoration. This document encapsulates knowledge related to stream corridors and their restoration. It makes no endorsement of one particular approach to restoration over another; nor is it intended as a policy document of any participating Federal agency. It includes the full range of possibilities facing restoration practitioners, including no action or passive approaches, partial intervention for assisted recovery, and substantial intervention for managed recovery.
http://www.rougeriver.com/
The Rouge River National Wet Weather Demonstration Project (Rouge Project) began in 1992 and is a comprehensive program to manage wet weather pollution to restore the water quality of the Rouge River. The Rouge River Watershed in Southeast Michigan, is largely urbanized, spans approximately 438 square miles, and is home to over 1.5 million people in 48 communities and 3 counties and is a tributary to the Detroit River.
http://www.streamkeeper.org/habitat/journal.htm
A MODEL PROJECT – North Creek Stream and Wetland Habitat Restoration (Washington state)
http://wmc.ar.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/hhstreamwetland.html
The National Water Management Center serves as the production support center for NRCS in providing leadership, direct assistance, information, and technology on water-related issues for natural resources conservation.
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Water and My Home
http://www.issg.org/database/welcome/
This joint project of the National SEA Grant Network and six Geographic Education Alliances provide readers with information on invasive aquatic species, including Zebra mussel, Hydrilla and many more. Invasive exotics have critical ecological and socioeconomic impacts across the country. On this site, you will learn what the species are, where they're located and how you can help to control them.
http://www.cbf.org/site/PageServer?pagename=action_simple_ways_soil
Soil erosion is a great threat to the Chesapeake Bay but also is the largest pollutant in Kentucky Tennessee and the entire Southeast! Check out some ways you can stop erosion at your house!
http://www.epa.gov/surf/
Surf Your Watershed is a service to help you locate, use, and share environmental information about your state and watershed.
http://www.epa.gov/water/water_efficiency.html
Learn more about what you can do to conserve water at home and what the Environmental Protection Agency is doing to promote water conservation in the home.
http://eppcmaps.ky.gov/website/watershed/viewer.htm
Find your Kentucky watershed location with this useful tool.
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