Citizen scientists protecting Lake Tahoe from stormwater pollution
Unchecked twentieth-century development paved over much of Tahoe’s marshes and wetlands, which had acted as natural pollution filters for waters flowing to the Lake.
Now, when rain hits our roads and parking lots, it washes off fine sediment – the number one threat to Lake clarity – and other pollutants into storm drains that lead to Big Blue.
Polluted stormwater flows down a drain headed for Lake Tahoe.
Pipe Keepers is our citizen science program to address stormwater runoff into Lake Tahoe. League experts train volunteers to abate stormwater pollution at “runoff restoration” events by making infrastructure improvements that don’t require major construction. The Pipe Keeper program also supports scientific research to identify pollution sources through hands-on opportunities and the Citizen Science Tahoe app.
Volunteers perform water quality tests.
Fine sediment particles are smaller than the width of a human hair and are so light that they can remain suspended in Lake Tahoe (i.e., not sink) for years, even decades, degrading its deep water clarity. Sources of fine sediment include road sands that are applied to our streets in the winter; dirt and pollutants from streets, parking lots and neighborhoods; and even erosion of roads and other surfaces. All this material washes into storm drains and pollutes the Lake.
Don’t have a lot of time to volunteer? You can still help by reporting infrastructure issues (damage, blockage, illicit discharge, etc.) that you see while out and about at the Lake. Report issues through the Pipe Keeper survey in the free Citizen Science Tahoe web app. Also, keep an eye on our events calendar for Runoff Restoration work days in the summer and fall!
Want to get more involved? In addition to using the Citizen Science Tahoe web app, Bluer Tier volunteers are invited to participate in stormwater sampling events and special partnership opportunities. To get started, read through our online training guide and complete this waiver.
The 2021 Caldor Fire scorched 10,000 acres inside the Tahoe Basin. In the wet season following the fire, the League launched a multi-month program to assess the fire’s impacts from erosion on streams that flow into Lake Tahoe. This project combined science, community engagement and advocacy to Keep Tahoe Blue.
Explore the map of adopted pipes to see pictures of the sites, survey history, and interesting facts.
