Lake Cleanup

0:01 Cullman Utilities wrapped up its second annual lake cleanup days on Wednesday, November 5th, bringing together

0:05 volunteers, employees, and community members to collect trash around Lake Ktoma and Duck River reservoir, two of

0:12 Cullman's main water sources. The two-day event encouraged residents to help preserve the natural beauty of the

0:17 areas that supply the city's drinking water. Volunteers joined Cullman utility staff to collect litter, clear trails,

0:23 and tidy shoreline buffer zones. Base stations were set up with gloves, trash bags, and other supplies before teams

0:29 headed out across the lakes. Experienced fishermen targeted harderto-reach spots that needed extra attention. Cullman

0:36 Utility CEO Allison Bright said the cleanup reflects both environmental pride and community involvement. While

0:42 most litter doesn't affect water quality directly, keeping the lakes clean demonstrates care for the resources that

0:48 serve the city. Community engagement was also key. Executive Assistant Shelley Wall said the event offers residents a

0:55 simple, meaningful way to give back, spending time outdoors, protecting local waters, and building stronger

1:00 connections with the utility. Volunteers tackled trails and shorelines, helping strengthen relationships between Cullman

1:06 utilities and nearby property owners. Cullman Water Treatment Plant Manager Brian Styles noted that Duck River and

1:12 Lake Ktoma are held to stricter standards than nearby lakes because they supply drinking water. Regulations limit

1:17 certain recreational activities to maintain environmental and safety requirements. Officials hope the cleanup becomes a lasting tradition. The

1:25 utilities board plans to continue hosting the event each November when lower lake levels and cooler weather

1:30 make shoreline work easier. Bright said this year's strong turnout and visible results highlight the community's

1:36 dedication to keeping Cullman's water clean and its natural spaces beautiful. This has been Annabelle House with

1:42 Cullman today.