How Do You IMPACT Water Quality?

What is a watershed? A watershed is the land where all the water drains to a specific location. It includes surface runoff and groundwater flow.

Development & increased impervious cover disrupts natural water storage. Water runoff is dramatically increased ( without proper practices). Graphic from Center for Watershed Protection

Pollution isn’t what it used to be Point source Single, identifiable source –industrial –sewage treatment Not the only source that can contaminate your water

The pollution you can’t pinpoint Comes from an entire watershed –Geographic, not political, boundaries –Affected by geology Most from land that is –built on or paved –farmed –bare soil

Impact of residential land use Impervious surfaces –Streets, driveways and sidewalks –Roofs, Pools and patios Pollution –Chemicals and thermal pollution from impervious surfaces –Nutrients and chemicals from fertilizers and pesticides –Pathogens from failed septic systems and pets

Impact of impervious surfaces Increases flooding Lowers groundwater Prevents natural filtering Collects pollutants Moves pollutants to waterways faster

Best Management Practices Reduce nonpoint source pollution from your home

Choose low-impact lawn care for high-quality water Insecticides Herbicides Fertilizer Clippings Aerating Mower maintenance Native landscaping

Maintain your car to maintain good water quality A quart of oil can pollute 1,000,000 gallons of water Antifreeze can be poisonous Use the car wash Keep your engine clean

Be careful of the toxic waste in your kitchen and garage Paints and thinners Automotive fluids Oil Pesticides Household cleaners Bleach

Don’t pressure wash your driveway Pressure washing adds nonpoint source pollution –Chemicals –Silt –Gas and oil Use a broom

Please use water wisely.