When most people think of the Mobile Area Water and Sewer System, they tend to think of the water running water in their homes and sewers. However, MAWSS is doing much more than providing safe drinking water and sanitary sewer service to the people in our area. They are committed to being an active member of the community. Here are just a few of the ways that MAWSS is helping to not only keep our water working, but to make a difference in our communities.
MAWSS is a proud sponsor of Alabama Coastal Cleanup. This event occurs the third weekend in September each year. The cleanup brings the community together as scouts, students, families and MAWSS team members participate in the largest one-day volunteer event in the state. Keeping our water source, Big Creek Lake, clean is important because we need our water to be safe and clean for us and the wildlife in the environment to live on. If you want to become a volunteer, check out their website to get more information. Now, let’s get out there and clean up our water system!
The gopher tortoise is a keystone species of Longleaf Forest as they dig burrows that are vital for themselves and other species. The gopher tortoise is listed under the Endangered Species list as threatened in areas such as Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. MAWSS partners with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Reserves to provide a refuge for the gopher tortoises on 222 acres of land that surround Big Creek Lake. The area is an ideal habitat for the gopher tortoise, dung beetles, gopher frogs and snakes, such as the diamondback rattlesnake. The reserve helps insure that the gopher tortoise existence continues and, when tortoises come into the reserve, they are tested for medical issues and tagged with radio transmitters so they can be tracked. If you see a gopher tortoise that needs to be relocated, please contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services.
MAWSS currently is partnering with the City of Mobile Police Department and the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office for Operation Medicine Cabinet, a service that offers our citizens a safe way to dispose of any unused, unwanted or expired drugs. The goal of the program is to keep these drugs out of the hands of our children, those who the drugs are not prescribed to and to keep them out of the environment. Medicines should not be disposed of in a sink or toilet because wastewater treatment facilities can not break down or remove the drugs from the water. Drugs can contaminate water, soil and groundwater, as well as pollute waterways that can be harmful to animals and the environment, and it can leave traces of drugs in drinking water. To dispose of drugs the correct way, please visit MAWSS or the Operation Medicine Cabinet’s website to see the drop off locations.
Every year, MAWSS hosts an annual water color contest showing how water acts in our community. This year, the contest inspires children in all grade levels to create a scene with rain present. Grades K-12 participate annually in hopes of winning $100 for each grade level winner or the grand prize of $250! This is a wonderful chance for students to show their art skills and creativity, which they then share with the community to make it brighter. We can’t wait to see what talented artist is discovered next in this competition!
The Citizens Water Academy was designed by MAWSS to teach participants about Big Creek Lake, the growing demand for water, how the demand is met and how the water system is built and maintained. Graduates of this program go onto become ambassadors that go out and share their knowledge of our water system with others. If you are interested, you can fill out an application on the MAWSS website. Participants receive 19 hours of instruction, tour facilities and learn from experts. The academy is free, but space is limited, so fill put your application while you can!MAWSS is doing more than many people might notice. The organization does not look for recognition when performing these important acts, but we continue to do them regardless because of each task’s benefit to our environment. MAWSS is always looking for help, so if you are interested check out their website and see how you can help!
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