Protecting Water Quality

Where does water pollution originate?Air pollution trapped by rainChemical spillsStormwater runoff Eeeew.

Stormwater RunoffWhen rain hits an impervious surface—like a

roof or road—and can not become groundwater, it flows away, picking up toxins like:

Lawn fertilizerOil and greasePet waste

…all of which eventually flow into the lowest water body.

Oh dear.

Why does it matter?Massive fish deathsHarmful bacteriaHarmful algaeCan’t fish or swimSickness from bacteria

StewardshipEveryone can pitch in and

help stop pollution!

When you do you your part

to protect water or soil

quality, that’s called taking

stewardship of the land.

Thanks!

Tips to Help Water Quality!Don’t dump chemicals down

sewer drains.Have your parents wash the car

in the lawn instead of on the street.

Plant rain gardens.Clean up pet waste.Turn gutters to drain on the

lawn, not the driveway.Sweep off porches instead of

hosing them down.Make sure cars don’t leak.

Be the Drop!Life of a Water Drop scavenger adventure

Be the Scientist!Monitoring water quality

Photograph Sources Red Tide:

http://media.photobucket.com/image/sickness%20red%20tide/tmack2700/red_tide_generav3.jpg

Stormwater: http://www.kytc.state.ky.us/EnvAnalysis/Stormwaterquality/images/house%20runoff.gif