Unlike the water that runs down sink drains inside your home, when water enters a stormdrain it goes directly to the local rivers, streams and lakes without being treated. As rain runoff and snowmelt rushes to stormdrains, it often carries debris, toxins and other pollution into our water systems as well. In fact, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency states that stormwater runoff is the most common cause of water pollution.

Fortunately, because stormwater pollution is caused by the daily activities of people everywhere, simple changes in our daily lives can make a big impact on water pollution.

Keeping local waterways clean is important for more reasons than you may realize. Clean, clear waters are important for local economies. Healthy rivers, streams and lakes increase property values, generate income from recreational activities and produce waterfront business opportunities. Healthy waters also create healthy habitats for local fish and wildlife. Fishing, boating, swimming and other water activities cannot be enjoyed when water is brown with sediment or thick with algae.

There are many simple actions you can take at home and at work to keep water out of storm drains all together and make sure the water that does flow to the rivers stays clean. Do your part to protect the rivers and streams in your community.

Photo from UW-Extension