Why is there still water that's too dirty for swimming, fishing or drinking? Why are native species of plants and animals disappearing from many rivers, lakes, and coastal waters?
The United States has made tremendous advances in the past 25 years to clean up the aquatic environment by controlling pollution from industries and sewage treatment plants. Unfortunately, we did not do enough to control pollution from diffuse, or nonpoint, sources. Today, nonpoint source (NPS) pollution remains the Nation's largest source of water quality problems.
Pollution poisons and deforms fish and other animals, unbalances ecosystems and causes a reduction in biodiversity.
Ultimately, these effects take their toll on human life. Drinking water sources become contaminated, causing sickness and disease. Pollutants accumulate in food, making it dangerous or inedible. The presence of these toxic substances in our food and water can also can lead to reproductive problems and neurological disorders. EPA studies and monitors the effects of water pollution and uses this information to set healthy emissions standards and enforce environmental regulations. --U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Go here for fun and educational information for kids! www.keepoceansclean.org
Keep It Clean Downstream
Excess irrigation and wash water contributes to pollution at local beaches. This water can carry excessive fertilizer, pesticide, herbicide, automobile fluid, paint, trash, animal waste, and other pollutants to the storm drain system that flows untreated into channels, harbors, and the ocean where it can endanger marine life and contaminate beaches.
CAUSES: |
 Fertilizers, weed killer, insecticides, and fungicides, loose grass clippings and leaves, soil from exposed areas in the yard, pet droppings, poorly maintained septic systems, detergents from washing your car, common household cleaners, improper disposal of paint, oil and other chemicals. |
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EFFECTS: |
Soil in runoff carries contaminants that smothers and kills aquatic life. Fertilizers, car exhaust and detergents cause explosive plant and algae growth, which depletes water of oxygen, killing fish and animals as well as creating a terrible smell. Loose grass clippings and leaves also add to this and clog drainage systems. Pet droppings and septic tank overflows can cause diseases like dysentery, hepatitis and parasite infections by getting into drinking water and recreation areas. Oil, paint, cleaning supplies and other toxic materials from cars and batteries contaminate drinking water and kill fish, animals and plants. |
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SOLUTIONS: |
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What Can I Do?
- Adjust sprinklers to minimize water from entering the gutter. When possible, use drip irrigation. This will also reduce water usage.
- Don’t use the hose to clean walkways, driveways, or gutters. Whenever possible, use a rake or broom to clean the yard, driveway and gutters. Use leaf blowers responsibly and never blow debris into the gutter or storm drain.
- Always use trash cans to dispose trash.
- Closely follow manufacture instructions when applying fertilizer, pesticide, or herbicide. Do not apply material onto sidewalks, curbs, streets, or other non-porous surfaces.
- Pick up pet waste and place in the trash. Never wash pet waste out into the street or into the storm drain.
- Wash vehicles at car washes that have water reclamation systems.
- Promptly fix all vehicles that leak fluids.
- Place absorbent material such as cat litter on any drips to clean up spills and dispose the material in trash.
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