Fertilizers

Fertilizers contain large amounts of nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen and other toxic materials that are harmful. When it rains, these chemicals can wash into nearby lakes and streams. Then, instead of fertilizing our yards, we "fertilize" plant life in the lakes, upsetting the delicate balance of chemistry that naturally exists, and causing an overgrowth of aquatic plants. As the water system loses this balance, a cascade of negative effects on water quality occur. Our local lakes are connected to the underground aquifer, the source of local drinking water. If each of us takes a few water-friendly steps in our yard practices, together we will make a positive change in the quality of our water.

Pet Waste

As we have concentrated ourselves and our pets into cities and towns, the volume of waste that our pets generate is more than can be naturally absorbed into the environment. Pet waste contains bacteria that can cause diseases in humans if it contaminates streams, lakes and ponds. It's best to regularly clean up after your pets.

Urban runoff

In urban areas, roads, bridges, parking lots and roofs of buildings prevent rainwater from slowly percolating into the ground. Water falls on these surfaces, accumulates and runs off in amazing volumes. As the water flows, it picks up a variety of pollutants and carries them into nearby lakes and streams. Sediment from development and new construction; oil, grease and toxic chemicals from automobile brakes and exhaust; fertilizers and pesticides from gardening; and viruses and bacteria from poorly maintained septic systems are examples of pollutants generated in urban areas. By slowing the flow of water from yards and neighborhoods, water will have more time to soak into the soil and more naturally filter contaminants.

Hazards around the Home

Just by washing a car in the driveway, cleaning products run off into stormwater drains. Phosphates in the soap act as fertilizers to algae in lakes and waterways. Dumping motor oil, antifreeze, gas or any other chemicals down these drains is also harmful. Leaking septic tanks and clogged drainfields have also become a problem. Sewage includes anything that goes down the drain in our home from the commode, sink, shower and kitchen. Many of the chemicals that are used in everyday household cleaning can contaminate drinking water and be poisonous to aquatic life.

Agriculture

Agricultural activities that cause pollution include erosion, confined animal facilities, grazing, plowing, pesticide spraying, irrigation, fertilizing, planting and harvesting. The major agricultural pollutants that result from these activities are sediment, nutrients, pathogens (bacteria and viruses), pesticides and salts.