The Rivanna Stormwater Education Partnership (RSEP) works to educate the community and engage individuals in actions that will protect and improve the waters of the Rivanna River Watershed.
The Rivanna River Watershed is located in Central Virginia in the eastern foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Rivanna River is a tributary of the James River and is in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. The Rivanna River Watershed drains approximately 766 square miles and is home to many historical features such as Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, our third president, and Ash Lawn Highlands, the home of James Monroe, our fifth president.
RSEP began as a cost effective way for several local entities to combine efforts to meet federal permit requirements effectively. Under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Program, Albemarle County, the City of Charlottesville, and the University of Virginia, must meet goals related to education, outreach and public participation to better manage stormwater runoff. In addition, similar activities are part of the mission of the Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District, Albemarle County Public Schools, the Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority, the Albemarle County Service Authority, and the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission. So, why not combine the ideas and resources of all these entities to work together on our mutual goals?
Since 2003, RSEP has produced effective and far-reaching education programs that have benefited from the variety of expertise and resources each partner offers. By planning and working together, RSEP will continue to provide watershed-focused projects to the community without the redundancy that might result if each partner were carrying out projects on their own. Click here to view our latest Five-Year Outreach and Education Plan.
