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Did you know that the Mississippi River provides drainage for 41 percent of the continental United States?  This means that if a single drop of rain falls anywhere in this area, which includes all or part of 31 states and two Canadian provinces, it becomes a part of the Mississippi River Watershed.  The fate of [...]

Nitrogen and phosphorus are part of healthy aquatic habitats. These nutrients support the growth of underwater plants that provide oxygen and habitat for fish and other animals. They also support algae growth, which is a source of food for many fish and shellfish. Aquatic habitats can become unbalanced, however, when too much nitrogen and phosphorus [...]

When it rains, what goes down the storm drain? As rain water flows over yards, driveways and city streets, it picks up pet waste, fertilizers and pesticides, oil from cars, trash and other pollutants. It’s tempting to think that storm water visits the local waste water treatment plant, but in most communities water that goes [...]

Did you know that a typical city block generates more than five times as much rainwater or snowmelt runoff as a forested area of the same size?  This is because rooftops and pavement do not allow water to soak into the ground like forests, wetlands and grasslands do.  Instead, rainwater and snowmelt runs off pavement [...]

A recent study by the U.S. Geological Survey found elevated levels of nitrogen and phosphorus in many streams and groundwater supplies across the country. Elevated levels were most often found in streams near agricultural areas, particularly in the Northeast, Midwest and Northwest, as well as near urban areas. In many cases, concentrations of nitrogen and [...]

During the 2009 beach swimming season, more than 3,800 beaches were monitored for possible swimming risks – 43 percent of those beaches had at least one swimming advisory or closure. Beach advisories and closures often follow heavy rainfall, when sewer overflows may occur and rain water can wash trash and other pollutants into swimming areas. [...]

Every time it rains, thousands of pounds of pet waste left outside wash down storm drains and carry disease-causing organisms into our local water bodies that can impact water quality and make the water unsafe for drinking.  Harmful bacteria and nutrients from pet waste can turn fertile waters green from weed and algae growth.  This [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

During cold and snowy weather, it can be tempting to “forget” to pick up after pets on walks, but it’s especially important to keep picking up after Rover at this time of year.  When pet waste is left outside, it can become encased in snow and ice, and will be carried away with melt water [...]

Summertime brings people and their pets out for walks, and pet owners enjoy walking and playing with their pets at the beach.  Waste from our pets, whether in the backyard or at the beach, is a source of bacteria that can contaminate our beaches and Great Lakes waters during the next rain. Viewer Tip: You [...]

Mobile Bay Estuary (where freshwater and saltwater mix) is home to an amazing array of species – 49 mammal species, 126 reptile and amphibian species, 337 species of freshwater and saltwater fish, and 355 bird species!  All of these wildlife species can be impacted by poor water quality and habitat loss. Viewer Tip: Believe it [...]

In a 2006 survey of Iowa residents, nine percent of respondents believed that stormwater (rain water running into storm drains and ditches) was treated before being discharged into local rivers and streams, and 57 percent weren’t sure what happened to the water. Actually, rain water running into storm drains and ditches in most communities is [...]

Did you know that approximately 15 tons of pet waste ends up in the ocean every dayIn many communities, storm drains transport excess rain water – and any pollutants it picks up along the way – directly to local rivers, streams, and eventually the ocean, untreated. Viewer Tip: The average dogproduces three-quarters of a pound [...]

It is estimated that there are up to two million dogs in the Chicago viewing area!  While it’s not a pleasant subject, these animals collectively create thousands of pounds of waste each day.  Pet waste left outside can be washed into storm drains and ditches during rain storms, eventually ending up in local rivers, streams, [...]

Did you know that there are aboutt 80,000 dogs registered in the City of Albuquerque?  While it’s not a pleasant subject, these animals collectively create more than 20 tons of waste each day!  Pet waste left outside can be washed into storm drains and ditches during rain storms, eventually ending up in the Rio Grande.  [...]

During the summer, excess nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) from septic systems, pet waste, and runoff from gardens and yards in the Chesapeake Bay watershed can create “dead zones” in the water, where no oxygen is present.  Dead zones occur when these extra nutrients cause algae to grow faster than oysters and other filter feeders can [...]

Urban stormwater runoff – rain water that runs over lawns, driveways, sidewalks, and streets – is the number one cause of water pollution in the Lake Pontchartrain Basin.  Rain water passing over these surfaces picks up oil, pet waste, soil, and other pollutants and carries them directly into storm drains, local streams, rivers, and the [...]

The Bayou Vermilion Watershed covers 582 square miles, including Lafayette Parish.  After rain storms, higher bacteria levels sometimes occur in the Bayou when rain water carries pet waste, livestock waste, and other pollutants into storm drains and local rivers and streams.  High bacteria levels can harm fish and wildlife, and close favorite fishing and recreation [...]

Since 1980, pathogens (bacteria and viruses) from human and animal waste have closed more than 30,000 acres of commercial shellfish beds in Puget Sound.  As rain water runs off of lawns, sidewalks, and other surfaces, it can carry pet waste and other pollutants with it.  This water eventually ends up in the storm drain, which [...]