Water
Overview
71% of the Earth is covered in water. 2.5% is considered 'drinkable'. 1% is actually usable. Boone is extremely fortunate to have multiple sources of fresh water and is committed to protecting and restoring them. Winkler Creek, Boone Creek, Hodges Creek, and Hardin Creek are the main creeks running throughout the Town of Boone. The South Fork of the New River is the main river flowing through and out of town. With these natural resources, we know that we can't and, more importantly, shouldn't, take advantage. That's why the Town of Boone has created programs, funded projects and built infrastructure to help conserve and utilize the resources we have been given with the utmost respect.
Read below the ways the Town of Boone is protecting our water sources, as well as providing resources for conservation and applying innovated methods to stormwater.
The Town of Boone offers many programs which are meant to help encourage our citizens to conserve water. But, why do we conserve water? While we are extremely fortunate to have access to three (3) intakes, conserving water in your home can:
- Save you as the consumer money and resources
- Reduce the amount of water diverted from our rivers, streams, and waterways which ultimately;
- Keeps our environment and ecosystems happy and healthy!
Listed below are the program which our Public Works department oversees. The tangible resources through these programs are available to the citizens of Boone, however, the tips and tricks listed within these programs are great for all.
Every Drop Counts:
Every Drop Counts is Boone's Water Conservation Program through the Public Works Department. Education for children and adults is available here, as well as information regarding the Town's rebate programs, water audit programs and the "Waterwise Citizenship Award".
Toilet Rebate Program:
In June of 2011, the Town of Boone Town incorporated a WaterSense® High Efficiency Toilet Rebate Program into their “Every Drop Counts” Water Conservation Program. The goal of this program is to continue water conservation awareness by actively involving the community. By purchasing and installing any new WaterSense® labeled high efficiency toilet single family residences can apply for up to 3, $100 max rebates (rebate price varies depending on toilet cost), while multi-family/commercial users can apply for up to 10, $50 rebates.
With the amount of freshwater sources flowing through, around, and out of Boone, continued restoration is a must. Bank Erosion is natural, but usually not in a way that degrades the stream. Increased stormwater runoff up-stream could start a 'downward cutting' process which leads to unstable and eroding stream banks. For both the safety of the rivers and creeks, as well as the safety of our citizens and visitors, the Town of Boone has restored many creek and river banks to help prevent further erosion. Check out the projects below to learn how the Town of Boone is helping restore our amazing waterways:
- Bolick Property Project
- Clawson-Burnley Wetlands
- Trash Trout on the South Fork
- South Fork Restoration Along the Greenway
- Jimmy Smith Park Project
What is Stormwater?
"Stormwater" is a term which is thrown around a lot, but what does it mean? According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), stormwater is defined as "... rainwater or melted snow that runs off streets, lawns and other sites". Boone, with its geographical layout, sees a rise in stormwater during major rain events, which leads to flooding throughout Boone. The Town of Boone utilizes many different strategies to mitigate this stormwater influx, including storm drains. However, did you know that there are other strategies? One such strategy used is to develop the land where stormwater catches, and instead of using a manufactured approach, a more naturalistic approach is taken. More information on how the Town has constructed "green" stormwater infrastructure can be found at the link below:
Additionally, the Town of Boone, in partnership with Brushy Fork Environmental Consulting and New River Conservancy, have begun to conduct a prelimenary study entitled the "Winkler Creek Stormwater and Restoration Study". If you are a homeowner within the Winkler-Hodges-Boone creek area, check out the link below to learn more.