CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman Utilities wrapped up its second annual Lake Cleanup Days on Wednesday, Nov. 5. Volunteers, employees and community members met to pick up garbage around two of Cullman’s most vital water sources, Lake Catoma and the Duck River Reservoir.
The event was held over two days, one morning at each location, and encouraged residents to help preserve the natural beauty of the areas that provide the city’s drinking water. Volunteers joined Cullman Utilities staff to collect trash, clear trails and tidy shoreline buffer zones.
“We set up a base station with supplies like gloves, trash bags, grabbers and first aid,” said Allison Bright, CEO of the Cullman Utilities Board. “Then we pair volunteers with our employees so no one is out on the water alone or unsure where to go. Some of the fishermen who know the area well head out on their own and focus on spots that need extra attention. People really take pride in keeping these lakes beautiful.”
Bright said that while much of the visible trash doesn’t necessarily affect the quality of the water itself, keeping the lakes clean serves both environmental and community purposes.
“Lake Catoma and Duck River are source waters, reservoirs that we pull from to treat for drinking water. So, while the trash may not impact treatment, it’s an eyesore. We want to take pride in the resources we have and show property owners and residents that we care as much about the water and surrounding areas as they do,” she said.
Chellie Wall, executive assistant to the Utilities Board CEO, said community involvement is just as significant as environmental stewardship. “There are so many ways to give back. This doesn’t cost anything, just your time. What’s better than spending a day outside, on the water, helping keep it clean and beautiful?”
Volunteers worked through the morning and afternoon to complete their assigned tasks. Many tackled the shorelines, while others walked or biked the Duck River trails to collect litter. Wall said the cleanup also strengthens relationships between the utility and residents. “When property owners or trail users have concerns or questions later on, they remember meeting us out here. They can put a face to a name and know who to call. That helps us stay aware of issues and maintain good communication.”
According to Brian Styles, manager of the Cullman Water Treatment Plant, protecting the city’s source water requires stricter standards than other nearby bodies of water. “Duck River and Lake Catoma have more stringent ordinances and regulations than somewhere like Smith Lake,” Styles said. “That’s because these reservoirs provide our drinking water. Certain limits on fishing, swimming and property use exist to ensure we meet all the environmental and safety requirements needed to keep our water clean and healthy.”
Officials hope that the Lake Cleanup Days will become an annual tradition. Before opening the effort to volunteers, Cullman Utilities organized a series of minor internal cleanups, but Bright said the expanded format has made the work more effective and enjoyable. “It’s just more fun when you do it with other folks and we cover so much more ground with the help of our volunteers.”
The Utilities Board plans to continue hosting the cleanups annually around early November, when lake levels are lower and weather conditions are ideal for shoreline cleanup.
“We’ve had great participation, great weather and great results. It’s something that helps our community, our water and our shared environment, and that’s worth every bit of effort,” said Bright.
