University of San Diego students partnered with the city to expand awareness of Think Blue, San Diego's stormwater pollution-prevention initiative.
Public education is a practical part of watershed management because litter, automotive fluids and other contaminants on streets can move through storm drains without treatment before reaching rivers, bays and the ocean.
The partnership gave students applied communications experience while extending the city's reach. Its environmental value depended on turning awareness into changed habits and cleaner runoff.