Where do water pollutants come from?
There are many sources for water pollution in our community. Runoff from rainfall and irrigation constantly washes pollutants into storm drains and drainage ditches, carrying oil, chemicals and silt to the nearest creek or wetland. The ground that once absorbed rainfall is now covered by buildings and pavement, more rainfall than ever is entering our drainage system and local streams. Things you can do to protect our lakes, creeks and ditches: Recycle yard debris instead of dumping it near streams. Put litter in trash cans where it belongs. Recycle used motor oil and antifreeze. When washing your car, use nonphosphorus soaps or direct soap suds onto the lawn instead of storm drains. Be careful not to destroy stream banks because it can cause soil to wash away. Keep livestock and pets from destroying our creek banks and using the stream as a toilet.
