Protecting Our Nation’s Lakes (Southern Plains)
The U.S. EPA recently released the National Lakes Assessment (NLA) – the first ever baseline study of the condition of U.S. lakes, ponds and reservoirs. EPA surveyed more than 1,000 water bodies for water quality indicators like dissolved oxygen, algae, toxins and pathogens, and shoreline conditions. In the Southern Plains region of the U.S., EPA found about one-third of shorelines to be in poor condition, likely from erosion and pollution. Lakes and ponds with poor shoreline conditions were three times more likely to have unhealthy plant and animal communities, too.
Viewer Tip: Low-impact development practices that are designed to reduce rain water runoff and pollution can help protect lake shorelines and water quality. Harvesting rain water with a rain barrel is one easy way to implement low-impact development at home. Rain barrels attach to home downspouts and collect rain water for later uses, like watering plants or washing windows.
To learn more about how to implement a rain barrel at your home, visit: http://www.lid-stormwater.net/raincist_specs.htm.
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
(Source: U.S. EPA. December 2009. “National Lakes Assessment.” Available from: http://www.epa.gov/lakessurvey/)