These days, the major threat to water quality is pollution from people’s day to day activities—road dirt, soap, fertilizer, pet waste, pesticides, erosion, etc. Simple changes in home, yard and auto care really count.
When it rains, storm water runoff from buildings, pavement and other impervious surfaces carries pollutants to the nearest wetland, pond, stream or other waterway. Think of storm water flowing over streets, roofs, lawns and parking lots, and then imagine the oil, sediment, bacteria, grease and chemicals it carries.
Newer developments are required to provide treatment to remove pollutants from storm water, usually by filtration through a swale. Neighborhoods and businesses built before these regulations took effect in 1992 have little or no storm water treatment.
Although runoff from the built environment is unavoidable, we can all work together to reduce the amount of pollution that is washed into our streams. Many pollutants come from everyday activities that you may do on a regular basis.
Get Down on Common Sources of Water Pollution 1. Pollutant: Sediment, soil, silt, sand and clay
Source: Bare soil, erosion, construction sites, poor or no stream buffer, bare stream banks.
Effects: Cloudy water, degrades habitat for fish and aquatic plants, smothers fish eggs and macroinvertebrates
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 2. Pollutant: Nutrients, phosphorus, nitrogen, organics, etc.
Source: Overused or spilled fertilizers, pet waste and farm manure,
grass clippings and leaves decomposing on streets and sidewalks.
Effects: Promotes algae growth that crowds out other aquatic life, reduces
oxygen level, harms aquatic plants and animals.
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 3. Pollutant: Toxic chemicals, antifreeze, motor oil, pesticides, zinc, heavy metals, etc.
Source: Leaky vehicles, tire and break pad wear, roof treatments, power
washing, improper use or disposal of chemicals and pesticides.
Effects: Threatens or kills fish and other aquatic life, harms people who eat contaminated fish and shellfish.
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 4. Pollutant: Bacteria and parasites, E Coli, giardia, etc.
Source: Pet feces, waterfowl, wildlife, livestock, failed septic systems, garbage.
Effects: Contaminated waters are unsafe for drinking, wading
and swimming.
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