FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
09/27/2023
Contact: Meaghan Walsh Gerard
Communications and Administrative Director
meaghan@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org
CITIZENS ENCOURAGED TO REPORT FLOODING WITH NEW TOOL
Organizations are trying to collect data on changing water patterns
Ogeechee Riverkeeper (ORK) has developed a survey tool for citizens to report flooding connected to increased development in coastal Georgia counties. The tool will help area organizations track changes in water incursion in the area. These changes include tidal flooding, overflowing canals, non-draining rainwater or stormwater, and more. The survey also includes prompts for site photos as well as a map to pinpoint the problem location. Citizens can report issues at public, private, residential, or commercial property.
ORK and Savannah Riverkeeper (SRK) are leading the data collection of the survey. One Hundred Miles (OHM) is also interested in tracking patterns of flooding incidents. A shared concern of all the advocacy groups involved is the amount of concrete that accompanies such rapid development and the resultant flooding experienced by neighboring communities.
Riverkeepers work to protect water quality at all stages of the water cycle. When water washes over roadways or parking lots, for example, it can compromise water quality. Salt water from higher tides can affect the ecology of freshwater habitats. Overflowing canals can carry water, nutrients, and contaminants from new areas. All of these scenarios are ones to monitor.
This survey will use crowdsourced reports to monitor localized flooding after rain events. The goal is to document flood events to aid in public comments and improve developmental planning.
View the survey: https://arcg.is/1WXC9O1
About Ogeechee Riverkeeper: Ogeechee Riverkeeper 501(c)(3) works to protect, preserve, and improve the water quality of the Ogeechee River basin, which includes all of the streams flowing out to Ossabaw Sound and St. Catherine’s Sound. The Canoochee River is about 108 miles long and the Ogeechee River itself is approximately 245 miles long. The Ogeechee River system drains more than 5,500 square miles across 21 counties in Georgia. More at ogeecheeriverkeeper.org.