The City of Johnson
City
Activity Book
Activity Book
JC and friends learn about stormwater
Hi, friend !
This book is for , a resident of Johnson City in grade at school. (Name) (Name of school) (Number)
This is me, JC. Draw a picture of you.
Stormwater
Stormwater is water from rain and melted snow that flows off hard surfaces like parking lots and rooftops. Stormwater then flows into our local waterways, which are a very important part of our ecosystem.
Public Works manages stormwater within the city by planning and maintenance infrastructure, monitoring water quality, and conducting educational activities.
Everything that enters the Johnson City storm sewer system is sent directly back into the streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands, or other waterways we use for swimming, fishing, and drinking water.
Please help keep our waterways clean for JC’s many friends — which include us!
Connect with Stormwater
JC connects with the City’s stormwater program every day, and so do you.
Put a check mark next to the ways you interact with stormwater.
Wash a car
Plant a garden
Watch rain fall to the ground
Put leaves in a pile
Skip stones in a river
Pick up litter
Plant a tree
Play in a park
Pick up after your pet
Go to King Commons
Recycle a plastic bottle
Pollution
Pollution makes water dirty and yucky for fish and animals that live there. With your help, we can keep the water clean so everyone can be happy and healthy!
Can you find these examples of pollutants in the picture on the right?
Yard Waste (grass clippings & tree debris)
Pet Waste (dog poo & cat litter)
Chemical Waste (fertilizers & herbicides)
Car Waste (gas, oil, & car washing soap)
Household Waste (paint & old medications)
Litter Waste (soda cans & plastic bottles)
Watersheds
Imagine you are standing at the top of a mountain in Tennessee. When rain falls, it gathers around your feet. Now, watch closely! See how the rain starts to trickle down, forming tiny streams? These streams join together, creating bigger rivers that wind their way through the landscape until they reach the ocean.
Everything that happens on land around rivers and streams can affect the water in them. Water can become dirty or polluted when people play and work outside, operate big machines, litter, or use too many chemicals on their grass.
Johnson City
Watersheds
Tennessee is a land of beautiful mountains, lush forests, and winding rivers. These areas are connected through watersheds. Think of watersheds as big, invisible puzzle pieces that fit together to form the whole picture of Tennessee’s landscape.
Below, you will see Tennessee watersheds identified by different colors. The white dot represents Johnson City.
Johnson City is located within the Upper Tennessee River Watershed, part of the larger Tennessee Watershed. These Appalachian headwaters flow through the state, making their way to the Ohio River and eventually to the Mississippi River.
There are nearly 200 miles of rivers in the Upper Tennessee River Watershed, including the Watauga River, Nolichucky River, and French Broad River.
Where the rain goes...
Rain falls from the sky, drip-drop, Frogs in rivers and streams jump and hop. A tributary joins the flow, Into bigger rivers they go.
Through the farmland green and wide, Where crops grow tall and animals hide. Past industrial towns with factories neat, Where busy workers make things complete.
To the ocean vast and deep, Where many fish and treasures sleep. At the confluence, rivers meet, Joining forces, strong and sweet.
In the forest tall and green, Trees and plants create a scene. Deep below, an aquifer hides, Storing water on the inside.
Groundwater beneath our feet, Keeps the Earth so cool and neat. Nature's wonders, big and small, We love and cherish them all
Watersheds are nature’s superheroes! They provide us with clean water to drink, support a variety of plants and animals, and offer endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. By taking care of our watersheds, we can create a healthy environment for everyone to enjoy!
Watersheds - Schools
Do you know your school’s watershed address? The colors show what creeks make up the watershed. Can you identify your school’s watershed within the City of Johnson City?
Watersheds - Activity
The rain will follow JC through the maze to the stream. Lead the way!
Definitions
There are some really big words in this activity book. Below you will find their definitions.
Aquifer
An underground area where water is stored.
Car Waste Dirty liquids that spill from cars.
Confluence
Farmland
Forest
Groundwater
The place where two rivers come together.
Land where farmers grow food and raise animals.
A large area filled with lots of trees and plants.
Water that is found under the ground.
Headwaters The source of a stream make up the headwaters.
Household Waste
Industrial
Infrastructure
Litter
Metal Cans
Ocean
Pet Waste
Rain
Stormwater
Storm Sewer System
Tributary
Wetlands
Yard Waste
Items left behind from our homes and daily activities.
Areas and activities that have to do with making products in factories.
A publicly owned and maintained “underlying structure,” which includes roads, bridges, dams, water, and sewer systems.
Trash that is carelessly thrown out or left behind.
Aluminum or steel containers for drinks and food.
A huge body of water that covers most of the Earth.
Animal poo that should be picked up and thrown away.
Water that falls from clouds in the sky as tiny drops.
Water from rain and snow that flows off hard surfaces.
Pipes that carry stormwater to our waterways
A smaller stream or river that flows into a bigger river.
Wet areas with plants and water where frogs live.
Grass, leaves, and garden debris gathered on the ground.
Draw yourself next to JC and color in the image.
Public Works - Stormwater
Hey, kids! Did you know you can help keep our waterways clean?
Here are a few ideas:
• Minimize household waste, and participate in disposal and recycling programs.
• Pick up after your dog and do not put pet waste on the ground from your inside pets.
• With your guardian’s help, ensure proper disposal of all trash, waste, debris, and chemicals.
• Start a compost pile with yard waste using leaves and grass. Do not dump them in storm drains or waterways.
• Volunteer with local groups to clean up and protect local waterways.
• Raise awareness by sharing this activity book with friends and family.
And, if you have any ideas to make our waterways cleaner, you can share them too! Your ideas can help make a big difference!
To learn more about stormwater, ask your guardians to contact the Public Works Stormwater Division at 423.975.2700.
AnswersStormwater
Congratulations
This CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION IS HEREBY AWARDED TO (Stormwater
Hero)
The City of Johnson City Stormwater Activity Book, 2025
Published by the City of Johnson City
Communications & Marketing Department
Illustrated by Public Information Specialist Sarah Nobles
Map courtesy of Geospatial Coordinator Will Lasley
Subject provided by Environmental Specialist Theresa Carter