Clean it up or pay up.
It's a dilemma facing several York County communities.
A plan to clean up some of the polluted waterways of York County may be crystal clear, because the water itself is anything but luminous.
York County senior planner Lindsay Gerner said, "There is urban and suburban runoff, there is agricultural runoff, our waste water treatment plants, air deposition, there are many different factors."
Codorus Creek is just one of many waterways in York County which has run afoul with the Environmental Protection Agency.
"A lot of our streams are impaired, and the EPA and DEP have said that we need to clean up our streams," Gerner said.
York City Councilman and Lower Susquehanna River keeper Michael Helfrich said, "We have a mandate that has come down from the courts that pennsylvania had to clean up its waterways, and the best way to do things is work together, maximize the value of our money, and make these reductions."
At a cost of $1 million, a proposed group effort of several York County cities, townships, and boroughs could help communities and the taxpayers save on a flood of bills from the EPA downstream.
"Our tax budget of $20 million dollars, you're talking less than $20,000. It's not a small amount of money, but we have to do the work, and we're going to get good value for the amount that we're spending," Helfrich said.
"We're just hoping to bring awareness to all of out municipalities in York County. We're giving this presentation to all 72 of them, and we are looking to make sure they all know what efforts are being undertaken right now in York County," Gerner said.
"If we don't clean up our waterways, we're facing different things. Communities face fines, in other places the EPA might say you can't a new factory, you might not be able to expand your waste water treatment plant," Helfrich said.
Gerner said there are a few things residents of York County can do to help keep the waterways clean.
"A simple thing such as cleaning up after your dog, making sure we're not dropping anything down our storm drains," Gerner said.
Municipalities can be proactive as well.
"Look at reducing runoff from their roads, we've got gullies and ditches collecting water," Gerner said.
"Everybody likes to have clean water. We use our streams not only for drinking, but also for recreation, and for fishing and we want to make sure everything stays healthy," Gerner added.
"We have to do it, otherwise it threatens our economy. Number two, our waterways are forever. These are the things not only we count on, but our kids, our grandchildren, and all future generations," Helfrich said.