Groundwork Somerville Signs On to Stormwater Education Program

SOMERVILLE, MA – In an effort to further education on the effects of stormwater pollution, Groundwork Somerville is partnering with the Mystic River Watershed Association (MRWA) to present youth programs and hands-on activities.

Groundwork Somerville is one of two local environmental organizations engaging in additional community outreach as part of the MRWA's overarching initiative to work with a coalition of municipal staff from Mystic River communities to create a multimedia education program.

MRWA has also partnered with Chelsea GreenRoots on youth programs.

"We’re going to produce creative and fun videos and graphics, a social media campaign and more. The
program – because we are taking a regional approach – will enable us to have a greater impact on water
quality in our rivers and lakes," Patrick Herron, Executive Director of the Mystic River Watershed Association, said in a statement. "Additionally, this work aligns with requirements put forth in the new
stormwater MS4 Permit."

According to the MRWA, stormwater causes significant damage to bodies of water because of the pollution it picks up from roads and parking lots. It is a major source of pollution to the Mystic and its tributaries, the organization said.

The aim of the initiative is to raise awareness of this type of pollution, increase support for municipal programs to invest in stormwater infrastructure and improve conditions in urban water bodies in the Mystic River watershed.

Photo Credit: Magicpiano (Own work), via Wikimedia Commons