What a Waste

People believe that what they flush down the toilet gets cleaned at a wastewater treatment facility. But in Alabama, the lack of funding to repair and maintain aging infrastructure often leads to untreated wastewater being dumped in places where families swim, paddle and fish. Even worse, there is no comprehensive system to notify the public when water quality has been compromised. In the absence of agency enforcement, how can citizens take action and hold these facilities accountable?

Take Action: Support your local Swim Guide program: 

Cahaba Riverkeeper

Coosa Riverkeeper

Choctawhatchee Riverkeeper

Mobile Baykeeper

Take Action: If you see or smell a sewer overflow, take photos and submit a complaint or call ADEM’s hotline at (334) 274-4200.

Take Action: Report the spill to your local Riverkeeper:

Black Warrior watershed: email [email protected]

Coosa River watershed: email [email protected]

Cahaba River watershed: submit a pollution report with Cahaba Riverkeeper, contact Cahaba River Society: 205-322-5326

Mobile River watershed: submit a pollution report

Choctawhatchee River watershed: email [email protected]