As part of the Vernon River Watershed Plan for Reducing Human Sources of Bacteria, the City of Savannah Water Resources and Public Works Bureau has partnered with Ogeechee Riverkeeper and the Town of Vernonburg to bring awareness to the wider community about its important connection with the Ogeechee River. Soon, 10 signs in and around the city will denote the boundaries of the Ogeechee Watershed in the City of Savannah.

A watershed is the entire area of land that drains into a lake, river or other body of water – in this case, the Ogeechee River. How the land is managed directly impacts water quality and the river’s ability to serve as an aquatic habitat and a recreational outlet.

Georgia’s 159 counties are served by 52 watersheds, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and each is fragile and unique in its own respects.

“Anyone who crosses a watershed boundary can impact it through their actions, which is why we’re working with our municipal partners to increase public awareness through the placement of these 10 signs,” said Ogeechee Riverkeeper Emily Markesteyn. “This education and outreach project highlights the watershed’s importance and encouraging good stewardship of the Ogeechee River.”

The signs alerting motorists that they are entering the watershed will be on the south- and north-bound sides of White Bluff Road crossing the Wilshire Canal, the east- and west-bound sides of Harry S. Truman Parkway crossing the Vernon River, Rivers End boat landing the Coffee Bluff Marina, and the east- and west-bound sides of Eisenhower Drive crossing the Casey Canal.

“The first step in a community's effort to improve its water resources is to build a connection with that resource. These simple signs enable residents to recognize that a storm-water canal or ditch is connected to an important river and estuary,” said Laura Walker, environmental administrator for the City of Savannah. “The signs were provided by Georgia Rivers Alive as part of our annual river clean ups and were funded in part by EPA.” 

Installation of the signs coincides with existing water-quality sampling efforts by all three partners. For more information, contact Walker at 912-651-2221 or [email protected] or Markesteyn at 866-942-6222 or [email protected].