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You may as well collect! The upcoming dry summer months are probably the last thing on your mind during heavy late winter and spring rains. At this time of year, it may seem like it will never dry out, but it’s important to remember that a hot summer is just around the corner. So why not collect that [...]

Grasshoppers are an all-too-common invader of gardens across the country. They’re difficult to control because they are highly mobile and can do large amounts of damage in a very short period of time. You might think grasshoppers are just a summer problem, but there’s plenty you can do this spring to gauge what this year’s [...]

It’s March Madness for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS) – the want to see how many volunteers sign up this month to measure precipitation in their backyards. CoCoRahS is a nationwide network of citizen scientists who are measuring and mapping precipitation in their communities. CoCoRaHS volunteers help to provide quality rain, hail and [...]

Winter storm season results in changes along Puget Sound beaches. While every beach is different, in the winter many beaches are covered in gravel or larger sized rocks called “cobbles.”  It usually takes the force of a winter storm to move rocks around and most importantly, to wash lighter–weight sand offshore, leaving a smaller, rockier beach.  These [...]

In terms of area, property damage and deaths, eight of the most significant floods in the 20th century were snowmelt-related. Several factors contribute to snowmelt flooding:

High soil moisture content: Soil that is saturated with water in late fall may not have time to drain and dry out before it freezes, resulting in deep ground frost [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

Have you ever watched the flow of water on and around a plant when it is raining? It is a fascinating process of moving water off the plant and into the soil surrounding the plant in order for the water to provide nutrients for growth. The leaves of many plants are beautifully engineered with a [...]

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 [...]

The Centers for Disease Control estimate that more than half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into flood waters; the next highest percentage of deaths is from walking into or near flood waters.  Many people falsely believe that cars, trucks and SUVs are heavy enough to maintain contact with the road [...]

A new study from the U.S. Geological Survey shows that scientists found mercury contamination in every fish sampled in 291 streams around the country.  One-quarter of fish sampled exceeded mercury levels set to protect humans who eat average amounts of fish; two-thirds exceeded mercury levels of concern set by U.S. EPA for fish-eating mammals. The [...]

A new study from the U.S. Geological Survey shows that scientists found mercury contamination in every fish sampled in 291 streams around the country.  One-quarter of fish sampled exceeded mercury levels set to protect humans who eat average amounts of fish; two-thirds exceeded mercury levels of concern set by U.S. EPA for fish-eating mammals. The [...]

Those who are involved in outdoor sports and recreational activities between the months of May and September can be exposed to the dangers of lightning.  The majority of injuries related to lightning occur over the summer, with 80 percent of injuries occurring between 10 am and 7 pm. 
Viewer Tip:  If you spend time outdoors, have a [...]