protecting our watersheds

In many ways, healthy watersheds substantially affect the quality of life for people and the environment overall – often by performing ‘free work’ that communities do not have to do, or pay for, themselves. The beneficial roles of watersheds in healthy condition can be surprisingly far-reaching and include ecosystem services, economic benefits and physical and mental health benefits.

Why We Need to Protect Our Watersheds

Earth is covered in 70% water and unfortunately 40-50% of our nation's waters are impaired or threatened. "Impaired" means that the water body does not support one or more of its intended uses. This could mean that the water is not suitable to drink, swim in or to consume any fish that are caught there.

In the Stormwater Runoff unit, we learned that nonpoint source pollutants are causing widespread impacts to the waters of our watersheds. These pollutants come from diffuse sources such as:

• Excess fertilizers

• Pesticides

• Animal waste

• Sediment

• Litter

• Sludge (gas and oil) from vehicles

• And other chemicals on the land surface.

Pollution Prevention: Pollution prevention aims to reduce the amount of pollutants contained in stormwater runoff. Common pollution prevention techniques include spill prevention and waste reduction practices. Education programs are essential to reduce Nonpoint Source Pollution generated from everyday activities.