| Water
Pollution Facts |
 |
| Water
Pollution Fact #1: |
Water
from rain, storm drains, and ditches flows directly to
streams and bays with little or no treatment. Storm drains
and ditches are DIFFERENT than sewers. They are NOT CONNECTED
to a treatment plant. |
| |
| Water
Pollution Fact #2: |
We
all live in a watershed. What you do on your property
does affect streams, even if you don’t live on a
stream. A watershed is an area of land which drains to
the lowest point, usually a stream or bay. |
| |
| Water
Pollution Fact #3: |
Small
amounts of contaminants from all over the land add up
to cause pollution in our water. Yes, even the little
things matter. You WILL make a difference, no matter how
small, if you change the way you do some things. Follow
the suggestions in this Fact Sheet to minimize your impact
on our water. |
| |
| Water
Pollution Fact #4: |
Failing
septic systems pollute. Untreated wastewater from failing
septic systems can contaminate nearby streams, drinking
water sources, and bays. Inspect your septic system every
3-5 years.
Pump as needed. |
| |
| Water
Pollution Fact #5: |
Soap
from washing your car at home pollutes. Soap and dirt
from washing your car can flow through our storm drains
and ditches and end up in our streams untreated.
Wash
your car at a commercial car wash, on the grass, or
on a graveled area. |
| |
| Water
Pollution Fact #6: |
Soap
from charity car washes can pollute if not handled properly.
Many charity car washes use available alternatives to
prevent dirty, soapy water from going down the storm drain.
Commercial car wash water goes to the sewer and is treated.
Hold your charity car wash at a commercial car wash with
a charity car wash program. |
| |
| Water
Pollution Fact #7: |
Oil
and antifreeze from leaking cars pollutes. When it rains,
water runs over the ground and picks up oil, antifreeze,
and other pollutants and carries them to our streams and
bays.
Put a drip tray under your car to catch car leaks.
Fix car leaks. |
| |
| Water
Pollution Fact #8: |
Garden
and lawn chemicals pollute.
Pull weeds by hand.
Avoid use of chemicals. If necessary, use sparingly and
as directed.
Call for information on alternatives to weed and bug killers. |
| |
| Water
Pollution Fact #9: |
Household
cleaners and chemicals can pollute. Cleaners and chemicals
used or disposed of outside can end up in our streams
and bays. These same cleaners and chemicals can cause
harm to septic systems and wastewater treatment plants.
Contact - The Open Line for alternatives to household
cleaners and chemicals. |
| |
| Water
Pollution Fact #10: |
Pet waste pollutes our water.
Scoop, double bag, and throw pet waste in the garbage.
|
| |
| Water
Pollution Fact #11: |
Waste
from livestock pollutes our water. When it rains, water
runs over fields and pastures and can carry harmful bacteria
from livestock waste to streams and provides unwanted
fertilizer in streams. Compost livestock waste. Fence
livestock from stream access. Contact Erie Soil and Water
Conservation District at 419-626-5211 for assistance and
alternatives. |
| |
| Water
Pollution Fact #12: |
Driveways and walkways can be sources of water pollution.
Oil, antifreeze, and other pollutants can collect on your
driveway. If you hose down the driveway, the water carries
all these pollutants to the streams. Sweep your driveway
and walkways instead of hosing down. Use apple vinegar
to kill moss on driveways and walkways. |
| |
| Water
Pollution Fact #13: |
Lawn
clippings and yard waste in ravines and ponds can become
unwanted fertilizer for streams. Too much plant growth
in streams can use up all the oxygen and kill fish and
aquatic life. Compost your yard waste. Use a mulching
mower. |
| |
| Water
Pollution Fact #14: |
Too
much soil in runoff can pollute. Soil from erosion carries
pollutants and buries habitat needed for macroinvertabrates
and fish spawning. Plant vegetation on or cover bare ground.
Cover piles of soil. Fence livestock from stream access. |
| |
| Water
Pollution Fact #15: |
Sewage
from boating can pollute. Untreated sewage is a significant
risk to human health and wildlife. While boating, treat
and dispose of your sewage properly. Pump your waste holding
tanks at pump-out facilities. Properly maintain marine
sanitation device hoses to prevent clogging and unnecessary
odors. |
| |
| Water
Pollution Fact #16: |
Boat
and engine maintenance can pollute. Toxic chemicals, oils,
cleaners, and paint scrapings from boat maintenance can
make their way into the water. Complete any maintenance
involving paints, solvents, or sanding with the boat pulled
out of and away from the water. Pick-up, don't rinse-off.
Use drop cloths, drip pans and vacuums to collect and
contain paint, fluids and scrapings associated with maintenance
projects. Use less toxic or non-toxic cleaning alternatives.
Use oil absorbent pillows or pads in your bilge to soak
up oil. Use anti-fouling paints with caution and according
to the manufacturer's directions. Contact the Ohio Sea
Grant Clean Marinas Program at 419.609.4120 for information
and classes on clean boating and boating maintenance. |
| |
| Water
Pollution Fact #17: |
Oil
and antifreeze pollute our water when disposed of improperly.
Oil and antifreeze that are spilled during maintenance
or are dumped on the ground can be carried by runoff to
our streams and bays. Clean up small spills with rags.
For larger spills, use absorbent kitty litter and sweep
it up with a broom.
Use drip pans when unclipping hoses, unscrewing filters,
or removing other parts. Recycle used oil and antifreeze.
Visit
the Erie County Department of Environmental Services website
to find out how, what and where to recycle!! |
| |
| Water
Pollution Fact #18: |
Waste
from household repairs can pollute our water. Contractors
and service people must properly dispose of chemicals
and water used during their work. Make sure contractors
you hire dispose of chemicals properly. Request use of
non-toxic products. |
| |
| Water
Pollution Fact #19: |
Littering
pollutes. Litter thrown on the ground can end up in our
storm drains, ditches, and streams. Throw all litter in
appropriate trash cans. Keep litter out of pick up truck
beds and cover loads so items aren't blown off to the
ground. Recycle and reuse items whenever possible. |
| |
| Water
Pollution Fact #20: |
The
things we do everyday contribute to over half the pollution
in Lake Erie. Litter thrown on the ground can end up in
our storm drains, ditches, streams and ultimately Lake
Erie. Wash your car at a commercial car wash, on the grass,
or a graveled area. Pull weeds manually or use chemicals
sparingly and as directed. Scoop, double bag, and throw
pet waste in the garbage. Inspect your septic system regularly
and pump it as needed.
|
| |
|
http://www.cityofbremerton.com/content/sw_waterpollutionfacts.html
|
|
