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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 Texas Commission on Environmental Quality estimates that Texans discard 1.5 million computers annually and depend on an average of six wireless (battery-powered) products daily! Computers, electronics and batteries contain metals like nickel, aluminum, mercury and lead. When these items end up in landfills, metals may vaporize into the air when burned or leach into [...]

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 [...]

This week – April 6-12, 2009 – is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Cell Phone Recycling Week.  In 2007, only ten percent of unwanted cell phones were recycled in the U.S.  When you recycle your phone instead of tossing it in the trash can, you help to keep valuable reusable materials out of [...]

There are 93 impaired waterways in the state of Mississippi.  An impaired waterway is a river, lake, stream, pond, bay, or estuary that does not meet the water quality standards of the Clean Water Act and the state. Sources of water impairment include pesticides, fertilizers, mercury and other metals, sediment, and other pollutants that are [...]

There are 160 impaired waterways in the state of Louisiana. An impaired waterway is a river, lake, stream, pond, bay, or estuary that does not meet the water quality standards of the Clean Water Act and the state. Sources of water impairment include pesticides, fertilizers, mercury and other metals, sediment, and other pollutants that are [...]

There are 74 impaired waterways in the state of Alabama. An impaired waterway is a river, lake, stream, pond, bay, or estuary that does not meet the water quality standards of the Clean Water Act and the state. Sources of water impairment include pesticides, fertilizers, mercury and other metals, sediment, and other pollutants that are [...]

There are 450 impaired waterways in the state of Florida.  An impaired waterway is a river, lake, stream, pond, bay, or estuary that does not meet the water quality standards of the Clean Water Act and the state. Sources of water impairment include pesticides, fertilizers, mercury and other metals, sediment, and other pollutants that are [...]

There are 115 impaired waterways in the state of Texas. An impaired waterway is a river, lake, stream, pond, bay, or estuary that does not meet the water quality standards of the Clean Water Act and the state. Sources of water impairment include pesticides, fertilizers, mercury and other metals, sediment, and other pollutants that are [...]

Alabama has over 180 different species of freshwater mussels in its rivers and streams. Freshwater mussels are bivalve organisms related to clams and oysters. They act as food for aquatic animals, fishes, and birds, as well as some land mammals. Mussels are filter feeders, meaning they feed by taking in water, filtering out plankton (microscopic [...]

Did you know that rivers and streams from all or parts of 31 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces drain into the Mississippi RiverThis land area makes up the Mississippi River Watershed, a basin where all streams and rivers drain into the common body of water. It is the largest watershed in the U.S., draining [...]

The U.S. EPA estimates that species extinctions will occur at a rate of one to eleven percent per decade between 1975 and 2015, with aquatic species facing a higher threat of extinction than bird or mammal species.  Many of the pollutants  that end up in  our rivers and streams - oil and other car fluids, household chemicals, pesticides, [...]

Americans fill-up one billion water glasses from the tap each day, and water utilities treat more than 34 billion gallons of water daily.  While our tap water is generally safe, naturally-occurring pollutants and pollutants from humans and animals can impact drinking water quality.
Viewer Tip: The best way to protect your water and health is to [...]

When rain water enters a storm drain, it is transported directly to local rivers, streams, and the Biscayne Bay through pipes, carrying alongtrash and pollutants picked up during the journey. Most newer stormwater drainage systems generally have filters at the end of the pipes to capture trash and other pollutants before they reach our waters. [...]

Did you know that the north-flowing St. Johns River reverses its flow twice per day? The reversal is caused by the Atlantic Ocean’s incoming tide, and when there are strong, sustained northeasterly winds, the flow can stay reversed for many days. This flow reversal, combined with the slow-moving nature of the St. Johns, means that [...]

Did you know that there are about 100 pounds of household hazardous wastes (HHW – oil, antifreeze, paints, pesticides, fertilizers, and other products) in the average home?In most American households,hazardous wastesare hiding-out in the garage – 94 percent of households indicate there is at least one HHW product in their garage. Not only do these [...]

San Juan Bay provides a number of resources to Puerto Ricans, including commercial ports, beaches, recreation areas, and historic areas. The Bay, which is partially enclosed by surrounding marshes, mangroves, and land, has a limited ability to flushwater out, making it particularly susceptible to accumulation of toxic pollutants.
Viewer Tip: Withso many waterresourcestied to theSan Juan [...]

As rivers flow, they pick up solid compouds such as salts, metals, and minerals, as well as some organic compounds from the landscape they flow through. These solids dissolve and affect the chemistry of the water. Although this process is natural, human activities can raise the concentrations of these dissolved solids to unhealthy levels, especially [...]