Watersheds – Did You Know?
What is a Watershed?
A watershed is the area of land that drains water into a stream, river, lake or ocean.
Precipitation that falls in the watershed runs off into creeks and rivers, carrying whatever pollutants it encounters along the way. Ultimately the water reaches lakes that we visit year round!
Cleaning up the watershed areas around your home or work place will lead to healthier lake water for drinking, swimming and fishing.
Here are a few simple things you can do at home to protect your watershed:
■ Minimize use of lawn chemicals and use phosphorus free fertilizer.
■ Never dispose of anything down the storm drains.
■ Keep yard waste and trash out of the streets and gutters.
■ Landscape with native vegetation and plant a rain garden.
■ Clean up after your pet.
■ Make sure your septic system functions properly.
■ Wash your car on your lawn or at a car wash.
For more information, visit these sites:
http://water.epa.gov/type/watersheds/whatis.cfm
Also look at our Environmental Section under “Issues” at the top of the page!