Stormwater starts locally, but the water it carries does not stay within city or county lines.
Rain falling on streets, parking lots, yards and other developed areas can pick up pollutants before flowing into storm drains, creeks and rivers. Helping residents understand those everyday connections is an important part of protecting water quality.
Since 2002, Central Pines has administered the Clean Water Education Partnership, or CWEP, a cooperative effort that helps local governments across the Tar-Pamlico, Neuse and Cape Fear River Basins deliver stronger stormwater education together.
One Message, Shared Across Communities
CWEP gives participating governments a way to pool resources and communicate about stormwater pollution with a consistent regional message.
The program combines local engagement with broader media outreach so communities can reach residents in different settings and through different channels.
| In the Community | Across the Region |
|---|---|
| Educational outreach can take place at community festivals, libraries, after-school programs and classrooms. | Shared campaigns use digital media, radio, television, print and other formats to reach broader audiences. |
| Local engagement can respond to the needs of individual communities. | Regional coordination gives partners access to messaging and campaigns they would otherwise need to develop separately. |
How the Partnership Works
How the Partnership Works
CWEP is governed by representatives from its participating jurisdictions and agencies, giving members a direct role in shaping program priorities and outreach.
Public Education & Outreach
CWEP develops campaigns and educational resources around everyday behaviors that affect stormwater quality. The goal is to help residents understand where stormwater goes, how pollution reaches waterways and what actions they can take to reduce those impacts.
Local Government Partnership
Participating communities share the cost and effort of regional outreach while retaining opportunities for local education and engagement. A steering committee made up of partner representatives helps guide the program.
Explore Clean Water Education Resources
Explore Clean Water Education Resources
CWEP maintains a dedicated program presence with stormwater education materials, campaign resources and information for participating communities.
Interested in Participating or Using CWEP Resources?
Central Pines administers the partnership and can help local governments learn about membership, program resources and current outreach.
