Watershed Television Special to Air on The Weather Channel

An upcoming ½ hour television special about watersheds co-produced by the Environmental Protection Agency and The Weather Channel will be airing soon.

After the Storm will premier on The Weather Channel on Wednesday, February 4, 2004 at 8 pm and 11 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST).  Additional showings are set for Sunday, May 9th at 8:30 and 11:30 pm EST and Saturday, June 26th at 8:30 and 11:30 pm EST. The program reminds viewers that a finite amount of fresh water exists on the planet, and that everyone needs to take actions to protect water resources. The show highlights three case studies—Santa Monica Bay, the Mississippi River Basin/Gulf of Mexico, and New York City— where nonpoint source pollution threatens watersheds highly valued for recreation, commercial fisheries and navigation, and drinking water.  In addition to illustrating the environmental implications of weather events, the special provides useful tips on simple things people can do to protect their local watershed—such as picking up after one’s dog and recycling household hazardous wastes. It also shows how some communities and private companies are getting involved through low impact development – utilizing rain gardens and green roofs to minimize stormwater runoff. EPA’s Acting Assistant Administrator for Water, Benjamin Grumbles, said “Broadcast meteorologists are considered trusted and effective spokespersons for conveying complex environmental and scientific information to the American public, and millions of viewers tune into The Weather Channel daily for the latest weather updates.  Weather events…offer a perfect opportunity for meteorologist to discuss connections between weather and watersheds."