Gainesville Clean Water Partnership

09/24/2026

09/11/2026

When it rains, your gutter downspouts can offload over 1,000 gallons of water per every 1 inch of rain. If your downspout is pointed at your driveway, the stormwater will push dirt, oil, yard debris, lawn chemicals and other pollutants into the street, down a storm drain and into the closest body of water with no filtration. A simple, low-cost way to protect our local ponds, creeks, lakes, rivers and streams from polluted runoff is to simply direct your gutter downspouts to a grassy area or landscape bed where water can soak into the ground.

09/09/2026

At Sweetwater Wetlands Park, protecting water is part of the landscape. The park consists of more than 125 acres of wetlands and ponds and was created to improve the quality of the water that flows across the watershed into Paynes Prairie, Alachua Sink and ultimately the Floridan Aquifer (our drinking water source). It’s a beautiful reminder that what happens on land is connected to the water beneath our feet—and that protecting our water takes all of us.

Small actions at home can make a difference. Skip the fertilizer, keep grass clippings and leaves out of the street, pick up pet waste and remember - only rain down the storm drain.

📍Sweetwater Wetlands Park is located in the heart of Gainesville. You can access the 3.5 miles of trails and boardwalks at 325 SW Williston Road. Mobility tram tours are available by calling 352-554-5871 for reservations.

08/28/2026

Protecting 159 acres of lushly forested bottomland along the confluence of Possum Creek and Hogtown Creek, Loblolly Woods Nature Park is an urban gem. At this park–one of ten that make up the City of Gainesville’s Hogtown Creek Greenway–the namesake loblolly pines are some of the largest in the region. Bisected by a broad bicycle-friendly path, it’s a place where narrow side trails lead to pretty bluffs above the creeks and sinkholes. 

Please remain on designated trails and remember as you enjoy the beautiful views of Possum Creek and Hogtown Creek to always keep litter in its place. If it’s on the streets, it can flow to our creeks! Only Rain Down the Storm Drain!

📍3315 NW 5th Ave, 32607

08/21/2026

Storm drains are designed to prevent flooding by moving rain water off streets. Typically, water flows directly to the closest creek, lake, pond or other body of water with no filter. Soap, fertilizers, chemicals and other pollutants can harm fragile ecosystems, kill plants and make wildlife sick. Household hazardous waste such as cleaning chemicals, paints, fertilizers, pesticides, used motor oil, old gasoline, etc. should be taken to an Alachua County Hazardous Waste Collection Center for proper disposal. Please make sure only rain goes down the storm drain!

07/24/2026

Did you know that you live in a watershed? We ALL live in a watershed! When water runs off of our lawns, houses and driveways; it typically ends up in the nearest body of water carrying along with it fertilizers, pet waste, pesticides and other pollutants. For these reasons fertilizers containing nitrogen are banned from July - February when heavy rains can push fertilizer past grass roots into our groundwater, or off your yard into our creeks and springs. Most Alachua County residents don’t use fertilizer at all year-round! Be a part of the solution and skip the fertilizer this year. Our waterways and watershed will thank you!

07/23/2026

What we do in our yards can affect our creeks, lakes, springs and groundwater - even if you live miles away. For these reasons, fertilizer containing nitrogen is banned from July - February when heavy rains can push fertilizer past the roots into our groundwater, or off your yard into our waterways. Most Alachua County residents don’t use fertilizer at all. Thank you! Be part of the solution and skip the fertilizer entirely this year. Your yard can still look great and our waterways will thank you!

07/23/2026