Why was Newburgh Lake polluted?
Newburgh Lake had become polluted by a variety of sources. Many people think that industry is the only source of pollution to the Rouge River and Newburgh Lake. While industrial pollution did exist, we were all part of the pollution problem. Part of the contamination of Newburgh Lake is due to polluted storm water runoff. Storm water runoff is the water that runs over the ground during a rainstorm or snowmelt. This storm water picks up pollutants found in fertilizers, pesticides, oil and grease from cars and bacteria from pet wastes. These pollutants enter the river either directly or through storm drains. However, this pollutant source has not been eliminated. Storm water still drains into Newburgh Lake; therefore, we need to take an active role in preventing future problems at Newburgh Lake. Click here to learn what you can do.
