Stormwater Community Education

Public Education

As a part of meeting the requirements of the Clean Water Act permit held by RVSS, we educate residents within our jurisdiction to protect water quality. Towards this end, RVSS partners with several local entities including Jackson Soil and Water Conservation District, Rogue Valley Council of Governments, and the Rogue River Watershed Council to develop and deliver programs and materials to help residents understand how they can reduce polluted runoff.

If you are interested in Stormwater education for your group or event. We can design a program that will meet your audience's interests, whether they are adults or children. For questions, please contact RVSS Stormwater at stormwater@rvss-or.gov.

Stormwater Program Coordinator: Benjamin Poaster, bpoaster@rvss-or.gov or 541-664-6300.

A series of educational brochures on Stormwater quality topics are available for your use.

Educational Brochures

Protecting Storm Drains Stormwater Management of the Bear Creek Valley Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control Creeks and Concrete Don't Mix Painting Without Polluting Taking Care of Streams in Jackson County Stream and Wetlands Enhancement Guide Oil and Stormwater Landscaping Brochure

For Educators:

A colorful diorama with roads, a river, a toy car, various buildings, and landscape features like hills and trees.

Stormwater Model - RVSS has a model and activities perfect for demonstrating what a watershed is, where stormwater runoff flows and where pollution comes from in a watershed.

We enjoy talking about water and watersheds and can come to your classroom or event.

Two people in jackets wading in a shallow stream, holding wooden sticks, surrounded by trees.

Salmon Watch – RVSS provides funding and assists in coordinating this field program aimed at teaching upper elementary and middle school students about salmon biology and habitat and how they are affected by Stormwater pollution.

Classes are typically offered in the fall and held at a streamside location so students can view migrating salmon.

Public Involvement

RVSS maintains active membership in the following organizations with the aim of staying informed of and participating in legislation, events and happenings at the state and local level that impact Stormwater management.

Stormwater Action Team (SWAT)- consists of local permitted communities
Oregon Association of Clean Water Agencies Stormwater Committee

Two pipes discharging cloudy water into a drainage ditch surrounded by gravel and grass.

Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination

RVSS conducts creek walks in the summer to identify sources of pollution in our creeks. When a source can be identified, RVSS works to eliminate it. RVSS also responds to illicit dumping into the Stormwater system. If you see pollution entering a Stormwater drain or creek, contact RVSS at 541-664-6300.

A rain garden with plants in wet soil, collecting runoff next to a road.

Post-Construction Stormwater Management

Stormwater runoff from developments that have been built since 2007 must be managed to remove sediment, oil and grease. See the Rogue Valley Stormwater Design Manual page for more information on Stormwater management requirements. RVSS maintains mechanical Stormwater features located in the right-of-way.