Reducing Runoff
When it rains, water flowing over land picks up dirt, oil and grease, fertilizers, pesticides and other pollutants. In some areas, this water flows into storm drains that eventually discharge into our lakes and streams. In other areas, it flows directly into surface waters. Either way, polluted rain water can impact water quality and wildlife in our streams and lakes.
Viewer Tip: Slow the flow! Planting trees, shrubs and other vegetation on your property, along stream banks and around lakeshores helps to slow the flow of rain water into storm drains and surface waters. The roots of trees and shrubs absorb rain water runoff.
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall
(Sources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds, www.epa.gov/owow; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, http://www.epa.gov/hiri/resources/pdf/TreesandVegCompendium.pdf)
