January 18, 2022

We at Clean Water Alabama are extremely grateful for the generous and impassioned response we have received from the community regarding our organization and what we are trying to accomplish. As an all-volunteer non-profit we rely on the financial support and generosity of donors to sustain our efforts.

Most recently, Streamline Environmental and co-owner David Smart, donated $10,000 and became a major sponsor of our organization. Their company, based out of Magnolia Springs, AL. is in the business of stream, wetland and coastal restoration.

The Daphne Rotary Club donated $5000 to Clean Water Alabama on January 10^th, 2022 and has committed to future support of our organization. Like us, the Daphne Rotary Club is composed of volunteers who give of their time, passion and financial support to make a positive contribution to their community.

As previously reported, area Piggly Wiggly stores, owned and operated by Danny Manning became our first major sponsor with their donation and financial support. Fairhope Soap Company and owner Deborah Bruijn created a Clean Water Alabama soap line and has become a major sponsor, donating proceeds from related soap sales. These in addition to contributions from Baldwin Realtors and the Fairhope Sunset Rotary Club have allowed us to move forward on the following projects we are supporting and actively involved in.

• Played an important role in supporting and receiving a $2 million grant for the restoration of several dirt pits along the Magnolia River, which has been impacted by silting and other pollution.
• Currently in the process of drafting proposed State legislation designed to provide an incentive to property owners to repair failing septic systems proximate to Alabama waterways. A $2 million grant application has been submitted for a pilot program in Baldwin and Mobile Counties.
• We are actively supporting a proposed project for the City of Magnolia Springs which would involve “recharging” storm water runoff back in to the water table by a simple, proven environmentally friendly collection system and process.
• In partnership with the University of Alabama, we have created a comprehensive survey which will be released to the public in the next month to effectively gauge public concerns, interests and priority’s related to the current quality of our state waterways. This is a critically important step in grant application and in gaining support from our elected representatives.
• We are currently partnering with representatives from the State of Florida to explore obtaining Restore Act Funds that have been set aside for regional application/projects related to restoration and clean water initiatives.
• Created a children’s activity and coloring book to educate young people on the importance of becoming good stewards of our waterways and environment. Plans currently underway to distribute at no cost to primary grade children.

As we have stated before, if you look at the impact of pollution on our waterways in totality, the task at arriving at better water quality may seem overwhelming and thus turn people away from trying to do something about it. Not us, our mission is to educate the public on the threats to our water ways and to support and promote best practices designed to mitigate these threats. Overtime, step by step, we all can make a difference in reaching our goal of cleaner water in Alabama’s beautiful and abundant waterways. To learn more about us and how you can support our efforts please go to cleanwateralabama.com. 

Sincerely,

John Manelos, President

Clean Water Alabama

jmanelos@yahoo.com