Center for Watershed Protection

Pollution prevention (P2), also known as pollutant source reduction, “reduces or eliminates the amount of any hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant from entering the waste stream or otherwise being released into the environment prior to recycling, treatment, or disposal.” Reducing pollution at its source is often more cost effective than paying for the control, treatment, and disposal of waste products and supports efficiencies in resource use (e.g., water and energy), business expenditures, and liability costs.

P2 has traditionally been aimed at industry, but there remains opportunity for communities (i.e. municipal, tribal, territorial) to prevent pollution through public operations. The Center for Watershed Protection (CWP) developed a P2 Toolkit aimed specifically at EPA Region 2 Communities (New York, New Jersey, Indian Nations, Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands) to help identify and refine community operations to prevent pollution to surface waters.

The toolkit is an online platform that includes resources organized by region, pollutant, and community action, as well as interactive operations assessments and P2 calculators. EPA Region 2 case studies of successful P2 implementation are included to provide interested communities with a framework of how steps can be taken to implement P2.

Check it out! https://owl.cwp.org/2682bpd/

A survey of 2,000 general population Americans found that at a time when most claim to be more intentional than ever about their health (76%), water literacy is falling behind. Read more here:

Do Americans Care About Water Quality? Although three in four Americans polled say they “care a lot” about what they put in their bodies, 35% have not thought about one essential part of their health in the past year: the quality of their tap water.

Research could lead to cheaper, better testing for ‘forever chemicals’ in US drinking water. Read more here:

Research could lead to cheaper, better testing for ‘forever chemicals’ in US drinking water Click for more on study in journal PLOS Water

Members of the CWPA can join us for a free Lunch & Learn next Thursday 6/18/26 at 1:00PM ET. Join Craig Shultz from American Excelsior Company as he presents “To Pool or Not to Pool - Sediment Control Techniques” This presentation will evaluate sediment control techniques.

Not a member yet? Join here: https://www.cwp.org/membership.php

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Extension has launched a new House Elevation Resources page, providing information on the home elevation process, potential funding opportunities, and other resources to help homeowners make informed decisions about reducing flood risk and protecting their properties.

CWP is pleased to partner with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and UMES Extension to provide technical assistance and support resilience efforts in Somerset County.

Learn more:

House Elevation Resources: Somerset County, Maryland | UMES Extension By Dr. Nazia Arbab and Christine Burns As one of Maryland’s lowest‑lying jurisdictions, Somerset County faces increased risks of property damage, infrastruc ...

Don’t miss our upcoming webcast, “Machine Learning in Watershed Modeling for Stormwater Planning and Flood Forecasting” featuring expert insights from Walter McDonald from Marquette University & Catherine Riihimaki from 2NDNATURE Software

📅 June 17 at 1 PM
👉 Learn more and register:

Watershed & Stormwater Webcast Series - Center for Watershed Protection (CWP) Watershed & Stormwater Webcast Series provides training on everything from the basics of stormwater to the latest in current programs and practices around the country.

FAMU-FSU College Of Engineering Researchers Develop AI Tool To Predict E. Coli Contamination In Waterways. Read more here:

FAMU-FSU College of Engineering researchers develop AI tool to predict E. coli contamination in waterways The model combines real-time and historical data to predict outbreaks and protect public health Every summer, beach closures disrupt families, harm local

Researchers have demonstrated a new method to break down toxic pollutants in wastewater, using sunlight and molecular-thin catalysts created using an innovative ‘mechanical’ approach. Read more here:

Researchers show a new, sustainable, way to remove toxic chemicals in water - University of Birmingham Sunlight can be used to activate sustainable 2D materials capable of degrading toxic pollution in water.

Join us as a Corporate Member for a partnership to showcase your leadership, share your technical expertise, and grow your business within a highly engaged professional community. Corporate members have the opportunity to present at member lunch & learns, submit content to be published in our Runoff Rundown newsletter.

Not sure which level is right for you? We’re here to help you navigate the options. Learn more here:

Center for Watershed Protection Membership (CWPA) The Center for Watershed Protection Association (CWPA) is a national network of professionals dedicated to advancing the state-of-the-art tools and techniques in water resources and stormwater management. CWPA is a forum for sharing ideas, resources, expertise, and information pertinent to watershed...

Rain Barrels and Other Household Stormwater Strategies Are Working — For Now. Read more here:

Rain Barrels and Other Household Stormwater Strategies Are Working — For Now. In the last two decades coastal urban areas have taken steps to better minimize flooding and runoff by creating more permeable surfaces and encouraging residents to participate in water retention and use-reduction programs. These efforts, ranging from adding rain barrels and cisterns, to installing....