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>>> WATERSHEDS
We all live in a watershed -- the area that drains
to a common
waterway, such as a stream, lake, estuary, wetland, aquifer,
or even
the ocean -- and our individual actions can directly affect
it. Find out which watershed you live in here.
Working together using a watershed approach will help
protect our nation's water resources.There are many types of pollution
that affect water quality. Scientists
have been telling us that nonpoint source pollution is the
greatest
source of pollution. What is nonpoint?
Nonpoint
source pollution (runoff) is the result of rainfall or
melting snow
picking up pollutants as it travels over buildings and the
ground and
carrying the pollutants into streams, lakes, rivers, oceans,
wetlands,
and groundwater. Nonpoint source pollution comes from many
locations
all at the same time. Once it's in water, you really can't
tell where
it came from. For example, soil or pet waste becomes
pollution when
runoff moves across a road and carries pet waste or large
amounts of
soil into a river, creek, stream, lake or stream. Nonpoint
source
pollution is the leading cause of pollution and beach
closings.
How land is used affects water quality. The amount of runoff
increases
in areas where there are a lot of paved (impervious)
surfaces like
roadways, parking lots, and roof tops that prevent water
from naturally
penetrating into the ground. During a rain shower, a typical
city block
generates seven times more runoff than a woodland area of
the same
size.
Here are more links for you to share with your friends
and your
parents. And remember, every drop of water counts! Do your
part!
Conserve water, help to reduce pollution runoff, and reduce
sewer
overflows.
  
DNR Homeowner
Water Guide 
EPA Runoff
Crossword Game
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