| Project Summary:
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Eureka Springs, Arkansas, often referred to as the Heart of the Ozarks or The City that Water Built was founded because of its healing springs. In 1981 an extensive study was conducted on the 66 Springs within the city limits. The springs were found to be contaminated from leaking sewer lines and septic tanks. Since that time many of the sewer lines in Eureka Springs were replaced and septic tanks eliminated.
Several Years Ago, Eureka Springs Public Works Director Kirby Murray, Eureka Springs Parks and Recreation Director,Susan Lourne and National Water Center coordinator, Barbara Harmony started meeting for a Project that they named One Clean Spring. The public works department tested the Springs on a regular basis and discovered there was very little flow in the springs.
Marty Roenigk, owner of the Crescent Hotel offered to help with the project and the Roenigks provided funding for research to keep the project moving along. Copies of the 850 page Springs portion of the Exfiltration study done in 1981 were retrieved.
A grant application was submitted to the EPA for an education program for recharging the Springs. A workshop was held in Feb 2003 attended by 120 people. Speakers provided detailed information about the unique Karst geology of the area and how to contour the hillsides to reduce erosion and increase recharge of groundwater. It was inspiring and empowering for the public to realize that they can have an impact by what they do on their land. Videotapes of the presentations were made and are available at the Eureka Springs Library.Three Public Service Announcements were produced that brought out the need for protecting and preserving the Springs.
The Community Development Partnership, has applied for a grant for a demonstration project to reduce erosion and stormwater runoff thus getting more water back into the ground for Spring Recharge.
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