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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNB Water Quality CommunicationWATER QUALITY COMMUNICATION DECEMBER 1, 2016 GOAL Inform the public about Newport's favorable water quality and the work performed by the City, in order to create awareness and a sense of pride & ownership of our city’s water amongst Newport surfers & residents. CONTENT IDEAS LET THEM KNOW WHY THEY SHOULD CARE ABOUT OUR WATER AT A BASIC LEVEL. Water is kind of a big deal… WATER %’S of the human body 67% of the earth’s surface 71% of global population with poor health due to polluted water 20% WHAT WATER DOES FOR HUMANS & THE EARTH • Hydration • Lubrication • Temperature regulation • Detoxification • Nutrient transportation WHY KEEP IT CLEAN? • Good health • Healthy environment • Tasty sushi • Clean surfing! LET THEM KNOW ABOUT THE QUALITY OF OUR WATER AND ADDRESS COMMON CONCERNS. We have great water in Newport! KEY AREAS Despite what you may hear amongst the surf community, our ocean water is high quality and within all regulatory standards. With the exception of post-rain hiatuses, you should frolic in the water without concern for your health. Don’t go out of way to do the swimming portion of your next Ironman training in the Bay; but, be assured that the Bay’s water is consistently within regulatory standards and shouldn’t pose any serious threats. Ocean / Surf Bay / Boating COMMON QUESTIONS Calm down! The occasional brown matter you see when surfing is NOT polluted sludge. It is primarily decomposed flora, and while it may not look pretty, it should not cause any harm. Selenium, Copper, Sediment, Fertilizer, etc. We are good on all fronts! What’s that brown stuff?!What we test for? INFORM THEM ABOUT THE THINGS WE DON’T SEE EVERYDAY THAT ARE CONTRIBUTING TO OUR HIGH QUALITY WATER AND STANDARD OF LIVING. There is a list of impactful public works that go unnoticed by residents. FUNDAMENTAL TECHNOLOGY Traditionally a shallow trench dug along the land's contour, with a berm on the downhill side – not many swales look like Newport’s. See next slide for example. Designed for marine cleanup operations (i.e., removal of floating trash and debris at our docks). The City stays on top of emerging technologies to ensure efficient and cost-effective cleanup, enhancing our city’s water quality.See Water Wheel on next slide. Swales Marina Trash Skimmers New Technology Designed to drain excess rain and ground water from impervious surfaces such as paved streets, car parks, parking lots, footpaths, sidewalks, and roofs. Newport has over 40 CDS units, each of which were $1M+ projects and are crucial to pollution management. Storm Drains / Catch Basins Continuous Deflection Systems The City has successfully obtained grants to remove invasive plants and mitigate water pollution to turn areas into havens for fun outdoor activities.See Big Canyon Nature Park on next slide. Land/Water Cleanup GET THEM EXCITED ABOUT KEY INITIATIVES. The City staff works hard on obtaining funding for some amazing public works, many of which we residents enjoy at no cost! EXCITING PROJECTS Dunes Diversion Newport Blvd. Swale Big Canyon Nature Park Water WheelLittle Corona Outlet CDS Unit Example LET THEM KNOW HOW THEY CAN HELP. Take pride & ownership of this amazing place we live in. It's YOUR city – keep it pristine. • Be mindful of the impact our daily actions have on our water. • Keep the beach & bay clean. • Pick up after your dog. • Be an extraordinary citizen and clean up after other people. • Let your friends know through word of mouth & social media. GIVE THEM SOMETHING EXCITING (YET SCARY) TO LEARN, WHILE ALSO ADDRESSING TOM HOUSTON’S CONCERN ABOUT EXACERBATING SURF CROWDS (example below). The “man in the gray suit” is out there, and he loves clean water! SHARK STATS miles of CA coastline 840 Great White sharks living in CA waters 2,400 miles a Great White swims per day on average 50 Do the math, kooks... shark encounters in CA in 2016 40 shark attacks in CA in 2016 8 surfers in CA 1.1 million FOR MORE INFORMATION… • Reference Heal The Bay report • Provide limited, detailed documentation for those with further interest and/or desire to get involved. NEXT STEPS WHERE TO DISSEMINATE? Target influencers and surf hangouts to ensure resident surfers & beach goers are informed & proud. DIGITAL • Social Media: Instagram, FB, Twitter via all Newport-affiliated accounts PRINT • Schools: Newport El, Newport Harbor, CDM • Surf shops: Russell, Froghouse, Jack’s, Becker • Restaurants: Bear Flag, Wild Taco, Banzai Bowl, Alta Coffee, Sessions • Clubs: Newport Board Club, Balboa Bay Club • Local surf ambassadors: committee members, surf shop owners, restaurant managers, students / high school surf teams, etc. FOR COMMITTEE DISCUSSION. Committee to discuss requirements in order to determine key next steps. • Determine budget - Creative/design - Social media - Print/pamphlets - Laird Hamilton PSA (Cinemedia) - Other? • Set actionable timeline