The City of Marquette and the Superior Watershed Partnership partner to make sure Marquette’s water is clean and healthy for everyone.

1)  Lake Superior Beach Monitoring

Thanks to a $77,000 grant through the EPA Great Lakes Restoration Initiative the City of Marquette and the Superior Watershed Partnership have expanded the Public Beach Monitoring Program. The program will increase the frequency and duration of beach monitoring and sanitary surveys to identify potential bacterial contamination. This project will reduce human health risks by improving monitoring, investigating any sources of bacterial contamination, and working to eliminate any sources identified. Please visit these web sites for additional information: City of Marquette and Great Lakes Beach Association.

The SWP in partnership with the City of Marquette are monitoring Marquette’s beaches to protect public health and improve water quality. This annual project also includes GIS mapping of the city storm drains leading to Lake Superior, conducting beach sanitary surveys at public beaches, rain event sampling, and public education campaigns to inform and involve citizens. During the 2011 swimming season there will be new ways for Marquette residents to become involved.  Check back soon for more information.

For more information visit the state beach monitoring website here.

The SWP has partnered with North Jackson Company to bring you the REACH System of data analysis for watersheds.  Read more about it here.

Starting in July 2011, the City of Marquette in cooperation with the Superior Watershed Partnership will coordinate a new rain barrel cost-share program for city residents. Rain barrels are an easy way to limit the amount of stormwater leaving your property. They also save water and can significantly reduce your summer water bill. Plus, rain barrels are easy to install on most rain gutter down spouts. 

Marquette residents will enter a special code and receive a bulk discount price and have the barrel shipped directly to their home address (shipping is extra).Through a special bulk arrangement Marquette residents will be able to purchase a 50 gallon rain barrel for $100 (normally $165). Once the rain barrel has been installed residents can provide a photo (or request a site visit to verify installation) and receive an additional $50 towards the purchase price (total cost $50 after rebate). Barrels must be installed before cost share funds are released. Plus, participants in this special program will also receive a one-year membership to the Superior Watershed Partnership!

Funding is limited so cost-sharing is available on a first come first served basis (approximately 120 rain barrels). After the cost-share funds have been exhausted city residents can still purchase a rain barrel at the bulk discount price ($100 vs. $165). Funding was provided through the EPA Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Note: The program officially begins July 5th. One rebate per household. 

If you do not have access to a computer simply contact the SWP for more information on how to participate (906-228-6095).

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Save 70% on a rain barrel

OFFER ENDS OCTOBER 15, 2011

The Rain Wizard normally sells for $165 but through this special bulk purchase and rebate program Marquette City residents can order one for $50 (after rebate). Total savings; $115!

When ordering your rain barrel please note:

• In the checkout process use the coupon code:  superiorw123
• This offer is good on the Rain Wizard 50 model ONLY.  
• Five colors available:  Oak, Black, Terr Cota, Khaki, and Forest Green
• All barrels include brass spigot and leaf screen any other accessories (hoses, base, etc.) must be purchased separately. 

Purchase your rain barrel here.

After the first 120 rebates are given away, residents can still save $65 (40%) on a rain barrel.  Questions?  Give us a call at 228-6095.  

Download the rain barrel rebate form here.  
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3)  Red Bucket Program

The Superior Watershed Partnership (SWP) in cooperation with the Marquette Community Foundation (MCF) announces a new community pollution prevention program called the Red Bucket Project. 

Cigarette butts are a big source of pollution on Marquette’s beaches.  But, they do not always come from smokers sun bathing at the water’s edge.  No, they travel through our storm drains underneath the streets after falling from the hands of negligent motorists and from shoppers/retailers/ or others downtown with no place to put them once they burn out.  The Red Bucket Project hopes to eliminate butts by offering smokers a place to properly dispose their cigarette when outside their favorite restaurant or store.  

Are you a Marquette downtown business and would like a red bucket for your store front?  We have them.  Call 228-6095 to get yours today!

4)  Cigarette Butt Program

The Superior Watershed Partnership, the Marquette City Police Department, and the Marquette County Health Department are working together to educate the public about the link between storm drains and beach litter.  

Did you know that when you flick your butt out of your car window it will more than likely end up on one of Marquette’s beautiful beaches?  Here’s what happens.  Underneath the ground throughout the entire city are a system of storm sewer pipes.  They receive rain water and other debris from the storm drains along the curbs.  Anytime it rains whatever is on the surface of the pavement flows into the drains.  There are a series of outfalls into Lake Superior where the storm drain deposits all the rain and debris.  Cigarette butts travel through these pipes and into Lake Superior through these outfalls.

Why should you care?  First of all flicking butts out your car window is illegal.  Second these butts enter Lake Superior from the outfalls and then wash back onto the shore littering our beaches.  Finally, these butts enter the Lake and float to the surface of the water.  Fish often mistake butts for food.  Since the filters aren’t digestible, they get stuck in the fishes system causing potential physiological damage.  

In short…don’t flick it.