Make a year-end donation to help the waterwheel project

Published on December 19, 2022

Give a year-end gift to help get a waterwheel into the Trinity River. It is a worthy project that helps extend the fight against litter in local waterways.

The City of Fort Worth, Tarrant Regional Water District, Keep Fort Worth Beautiful and Streams and Valleys are pursuing two solar-powered waterwheels – giant wheel-based machines placed in flowing waterways to collect and remove floatable pollution. The planned locations are along the Trinity River’s Clear Fork and West Fork.

Why it matters: The implementation of the waterwheels is a significant part of continuing efforts to educate residents on litter control and prevention, and its impact on water quality. One waterwheel can remove more than 50,000 pounds of floating litter per day. That’s about the size of two and a half garbage trucks.

Get involved: “This is an exciting program in Fort Worth that will make a positive statement as a sustainable and environmentally friendly community,” said Brandon Bennett, Fort Worth code compliance director. “Anyone who enjoys the Trinity River now has an opportunity to make a financial donation to support the waterwheel program.”

The goal is to fund the construction, installation and 10 years of maintenance through community donations. Though the City is still seeking title sponsor donors, any donation is welcome. All donors receive a variety of benefits depending on donor level, including an invitation to the groundbreaking and opening ceremonies.

View sponsorship levels and current sponsors.

How to donate: Make an end-of-year, tax-deductible donation online or by check to Keep Fort Worth Beautiful, or through 501(c)(3) non-profit partner Streams & Valleys Inc. by Dec. 30. Donations of any amount are accepted.

Learn more.

Photo: One waterwheel can remove more than 50,000 pounds of floating litter in a day’s time.

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