What the 2025 Clean Water and Open Space Levy Can Pay For

The 2025 Clean Water and Open Space Levy will fund projects that protect and restore our clean water sources, preserve and expand open spaces, and enhance parks and trails. Here’s a breakdown of what your investment can achieve:

Clean Water Investments:

• Protecting Drinking Water: Funding acquisitions of land over critical drinking water recharge areas to prevent contamination.
• Reducing Stormwater Runoff: Implementing projects to capture and treat stormwater, reducing pollution entering our waterways. This includes rain gardens, green streets, and permeable pavement.
• Restoring Waterways: Repairing and restoring degraded streams, rivers, and wetlands to improve water quality and fish/wildlife habitat.
• Septic System Improvements: Providing financial assistance to homeowners for upgrading failing septic systems, preventing sewage from contaminating groundwater.
• Addressing Emerging Contaminants: Investing in research and technologies to address emerging threats to water quality, like PFAS.

Open Space Investments:

• Acquiring New Parks & Natural Areas: Purchasing land for new parks, trails, and natural areas, ensuring access to nature for all.
• Expanding Existing Parks: Adding acreage to existing parks and natural areas to increase recreational opportunities and protect more habitat.
• Protecting Working Farms & Forests: Conserving farmland and forests through conservation easements, keeping these lands productive and preventing development.
• Creating Green Connections: Developing trails and greenways that connect parks, neighborhoods, and natural areas, promoting walking, biking, and recreation.

Parks & Trails Investments:

• Park Improvements: Upgrading park facilities, including playgrounds, restrooms, picnic areas, and sports fields.
• Trail Development & Maintenance: Building new trails and maintaining existing trails for hiking, biking, and equestrian use.
• Habitat Restoration in Parks: Restoring native vegetation and improving wildlife habitat within parks and natural areas.
• Accessibility Improvements: Making parks and trails more accessible to people of all abilities.
• Community Gardens & Urban Greenspaces: Supporting the development of community gardens and other urban greenspaces.