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Have you noticed salt left on our roads and sidewalks after a storm? A recent study shows that road salt is a major source of chloride in our waters. In some urban streams, chloride is found at levels that can harm fish and other wildlife.
In the mid-1950’s, highway [...]

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 [...]

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 Xeric region of the U.S. – running along the California [...]

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 Coastal Plains region of the U.S. – [...]

Rain gardens can cut down on the amount of pollution reaching creeks and streams by up to 30 percent. A rain garden is a planted depression that allows rainwater runoff from artificial urban areas like roofs, driveways, walkways and lawn areas to be absorbed. This reduces runoff by allowing storm water to soak into the [...]

The southeastern United States is one of the most highly populated areas in the nation. As more people move to the area, there is increased pressure on our freshwater resources. Pollution from rain water runoff is perhaps the most significant threat to freshwater.  Eroded soils clog fish gills, smother eggs, destroy aquatic habitat and generally make a river [...]

Soil erosion isn’t just a cosmetic problem in your yard. According to the National Center for Appropriate Technology, soil removed by wind and rain erosion typically contains the “good stuff” – three times more nutrients and five times more organic matter than the soil left behind. Erosion is also a source of water pollution. Protecting [...]

Unlike pollution from industrial sources and sewage treatment plants, non-point source (NPS) water pollution comes from many diffuse sources. Polluted runoff is caused by rainwater or snowmelt moving over and through the ground. As the runoff moves, it carries and deposits pollutants – such as fertilizers, pesticides and yard wastes like grass clippings and leaves [...]

Leaf litter and grass clippings can clog storm sewers and contribute to combined sewer overflows and runoff pollution that taints the Great Lakes. In Wisconsin, for example, runoff is a leading source of water quality problems, according to the state Department of Natural Resources. The agency points to runoff as a problem degrading or threatening 40 [...]

Fats, oil and grease – “FOG” – that go down the drain can cause major problems in our sewer systems.  These substances form thick layers inside sewer lines that can clog pipes and cause blockages.  FOG clogs can cause raw sewage overflows, sewer backups and other issues, especially in areas with combined sewers designed to handle both [...]

Rain is simply a part of life in the Northwest. But did you know that storm water runoff is one of the leading causes of water pollution in Puget Sound year-round? As rain water runs off yards and paved surfaces, it picks up pollutants such as oil, pesticides, fertilizers, trash, animal waste and soil. This often flows [...]

For decades we’ve been told to get rid of old prescription medications by flushing them down the toilet.   Who would have thought that by doing so we’d turn our drinking water supply into a “pharmaceutical soup?”  Although the amounts of drugs found are at very low concentrations and the water supply is considered safe, no [...]

When flying in a plane, you recognize that you’re over a city because of the concrete, asphalt and building rooftops below.  Those human-made surfaces have a big effect on local weather and the environment, turning urban areas into warmer ‘heat islands’ and causing increased stormwater runoff. Stormwater runs off those surfaces and races to storm drains and [...]

We love our dogs and know that they need to get outside regularly for exercise and to do their “business.” But, did you know that dog waste can cause water quality problems?  Almost 40 percent of Washington state households have at least one dog. Together those dogs produce hundreds of tons of new waste each day! In the fall when it [...]

Prepackaged foods are convenient, especially for lunches on-the-go.  However, food packaging generates a significant amount of waste – in the United States, over 2500 tons of non-biodegradable plastic packaging is thrown away each year. Storm drains, rivers and wind carry much of this waste to our oceans where marine animals ingest plastics that mimic food [...]

Fall is a time when the sounds of nature steadily decline. Most people notice the lack of bird songs, but do not notice that frogs, toads and other amphibians also stop their loud, unusual calling at night. Like many other animals, frogs and toads slow down as the weather gets colder. For winter protection, amphibians [...]

Did you know that it takes 500 to 1,000 years to build just one-inch of soil? Soils form slowly and continuously, thanks to a number of factors, including:

Climate: Temperature, wind and water “weather” or break down rocks and minerals that form soils.
Life: Burrowing animals, plant roots, tiny bacteria and fungi mix soils and chemically change [...]

Groundwater, used by many Americans for household use and drinking water, is replenished mostly by rainwater and snowmelt.  But what if rainwater is acidic?  Most acidic rainwater is neutralized or “buffered” by rocks and soil as it soaks into the ground, but the process is not always completely successful.  Rocks with high amounts of calcium, [...]

Warmer weather often signals the emergence of backyard pests, and many homeowners turn to pesticides to banish the bugs.  But, spring rains can wash pesticides away from yards into our streams and rivers, where they can kill fish and harm wildlife that eat fish from impacted streams.
Viewer Tip: Remember this: Most bugs are good bugs! [...]

No matter where litter starts, it moves.  From streets, highways, and even your own backyard, litter items – especially light-weight plastics – are transported easily by wind and rain and often end up in our waters. As a matter of fact, it is estimated that up to 90 percent of the debris floating in our [...]