Protecting Our Watersheds: Reducing Pollution For A Greener Future

Watersheds are areas of land that drain rainwater or snow into a single location, such as a lake, river, or wetland. These water bodies provide drinking water, water for agriculture and manufacturing, and support recreation and wildlife. However, pollution from sources like runoff, erosion, and industrial waste can severely impact the health of watersheds. To reduce pollution in our watersheds, individuals can take simple actions such as conserving water, properly disposing of toxic chemicals, using organic alternatives to pesticides and fertilizers, and reducing plastic consumption. Communities can also work together to implement policies and infrastructure improvements that protect and restore watershed health, ensuring clean water for everyone.

Reduce use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers

Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers are essential for food production and protecting crops from insects, weeds, and other pests. However, they are toxic and can have adverse effects on human health and the environment if not used and disposed of properly. Here are some ways to reduce their use and prevent water pollution in watersheds:

Plant Pest-Resistant, Native Species

Native plants are adapted to the local environment and can naturally resist pests and diseases. By choosing native species for your garden or landscape, you can reduce the need for pesticides and herbicides.

Rotate Garden Crops

Crop rotation is a simple but effective method to reduce pest infestation. Moving crops to different areas of the garden can disrupt the life cycle of pests, reducing their population and the need for chemical control.

Use Mulch and Time Plantings Strategically

Mulch can act as a natural barrier, suppressing weed growth and retaining soil moisture. By using mulch and timing your plantings, you can avoid peak infestation periods, reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides.

Implement Biological, Mechanical, or Botanical Controls

Before resorting to chemical pesticides, consider using biological, mechanical, or botanical controls. For example, introducing natural predators, using traps, or applying botanical insecticides can effectively manage pests without the same environmental impact.

Limit the Use of Fertilizers

Excessive fertilizer use can lead to fertilizer pollution in water bodies, making them unsafe for recreation and drinking. Test your soil before applying fertilizers, and use compost to reduce waste and reuse available nutrients. When applying fertilizers, follow the recommended application rates and timing to avoid over-fertilization and runoff into nearby water bodies.

Maintain Vegetated Buffers

Establish "no mow" buffer zones around wetlands and water bodies. These vegetated areas can act as natural filters, trapping sediment and pollutants before they reach the water, thereby reducing the need for chemical interventions.

Conserve water

Conserving water is an essential step in reducing pollution in our watersheds. Watersheds are areas of land that drain rainwater or snow into a stream, lake, or wetland. These water bodies provide drinking water, water for agriculture and manufacturing, and habitats for plants and animals. By conserving water, we can reduce the amount of energy and chemicals used in heating and pumping water, thereby decreasing pollution. Here are some ways to conserve water and reduce pollution in watersheds:

Reduce Water Usage

• Take shorter showers and draw less water for baths.
• Install water-efficient showerheads and low-flow toilets.
• Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving.
• Keep a gallon of drinking water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap for cold water.
• Wash clothes with full loads in the washing machine and opt for warm or cold water instead of hot.
• Water your plants only in the evening or early morning to minimize evaporation.
• Use drought-tolerant plants and grasses for landscaping and reduce grass-covered areas.
• Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks.
• Wash your car less frequently or use a car wash that recycles water.

Fix Leaks and Improve Efficiency

• Check your toilet for leaks by placing food colouring in the tank and seeing if it leaks into the bowl.
• Fix any leaks in faucets or pipes to prevent water wastage.
• Install a drip-irrigation water system for efficient water delivery to plants.

Reduce Runoff and Pollution

• Use porous pavement, such as gravel, for driveways and walkways to allow rainwater to recharge groundwater instead of running off.
• Recycle yard waste and use compost instead of chemical fertilizers.
• Avoid using toxic household chemicals, and properly dispose of any chemicals by taking them to a hazardous waste centre.
• Pick up after your pets and dispose of their waste responsibly.

By following these water conservation practices, we can help protect the health of our watersheds and ensure clean water for ourselves and the environment.

Avoid pouring toxic chemicals down the drain

To reduce pollution in our watersheds, it is imperative to avoid pouring toxic chemicals down the drain. This is because the chemicals we dispose of through our plumbing often end up back in our surface and groundwater, which then runs into oceans, is consumed by marine life, or is used to water crops, ultimately ending up on our plates.

Watersheds are areas of land that drain rainwater or snow into a single location, such as a stream, lake, or wetland. These water bodies provide drinking water, water for agriculture and manufacturing, and support recreation and wildlife. However, pollution from runoff and erosion can severely impact the health of watersheds.

One way to reduce pollution in watersheds is to properly dispose of toxic chemicals. Many common household products, such as cleaning chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and old electronics, contain toxic chemicals that can contaminate water sources if poured down the drain. These chemicals can have harmful short-term and long-term effects on both the environment and human health.

The short-term impact of dumping toxic chemicals down the drain is water pollution, making water sources unsafe for consumption by all living creatures. This can lead to major health issues, as seen in the 2014 water crisis in Flint, Michigan. Agriculture is also affected, as contaminated water can cause animals and plants to become sick and die.

The long-term effects of improper toxic chemical disposal are even more alarming. These can include cancer and disease in humans, mercury and lead poisoning, destruction of green spaces and natural resources, population decrease in insects such as bees, and depletion of the ozone layer.

To prevent these negative consequences, it is crucial to dispose of toxic chemicals properly. This may involve taking them to a hazardous waste center or participating in take-back programs for certain products, such as pharmaceuticals. By avoiding pouring toxic chemicals down the drain, we can help protect the health of our watersheds and the planet.

Use drought-tolerant plants for landscaping

Using drought-tolerant plants for landscaping is an effective way to reduce pollution in watersheds. A watershed is an area of land that drains rainwater or snow into a stream, lake, wetland, or river. These water bodies provide drinking water, water for agriculture and manufacturing, and habitats for plants and animals. Therefore, it is crucial to protect and maintain their quality.

Landscaping and gardening practices can significantly impact water quality. The use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilisers poses risks to human health and the environment. Overusing fertilisers can cause eutrophication, leading to algae blooms that reduce the dissolved oxygen levels in the water and harm aquatic life. Additionally, vegetation removal and a preference for lawns can increase stormwater runoff, leading to the loss of wetlands and riparian buffer areas, soil exposure, and erosion.

By choosing drought-tolerant plants for landscaping, you can reduce the need for irrigation, minimise the use of harmful chemicals, and help control stormwater runoff. Drought-tolerant plants, also known as water-wise plants, are adapted to survive and thrive with minimal water. This reduces water consumption, lowers maintenance costs and labour, and creates a more sustainable landscape.

There are numerous drought-tolerant plants to choose from, including ornamental grasses, succulents, and native plant species. For example, bugleweed (Ajuga reptans) is a tough groundcover that can tolerate dry shade conditions. Lavender (Lavandula spp.), native to the Mediterranean region, thrives in heat and dry conditions. Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a dramatic, drought-tolerant addition to any garden, with its spiky blue flowers.

When designing a drought-tolerant landscape, consider the following:

• Group plants with similar water needs together.
• Choose native plants adapted to your region's growing conditions.
• Amend the soil with compost and organic matter to help retain moisture.
• Use decorative hardscape elements such as gravel, pavers, and garden art to reduce water-needy plants.
• Install water features that capture and recycle water.
• Use groundcovers like thyme, sedum, and sea thrift to slow water evaporation and minimise runoff from hardscaping.
• Mulch plants to suppress weeds and retain moisture.
• Install efficient watering systems such as drip irrigation.

Reduce plastic consumption

Reducing plastic consumption is a crucial step in decreasing pollution in our watersheds. Here are some detailed and direct ways to reduce plastic consumption and mitigate watershed pollution:

Reduce Single-Use Plastic Consumption

Single-use plastics are used once and then discarded, contributing significantly to plastic pollution. Refuse single-use plastic items such as plastic bags, plastic wrap, disposable cutlery, straws, and coffee cup lids. Instead, opt for reusable alternatives like totes, garment bags, silverware, and travel mugs. Making these choices can quickly become a habit and significantly reduce your plastic footprint.

Boycott Bottled Water

Close to 20 billion plastic bottles are thrown away each year. By carrying a reusable water bottle, you can reduce plastic pollution and save money. Tap water is also often a safer and healthier choice.

Avoid Microbeads

Microbeads are tiny plastic particles found in beauty products like facial scrubs, toothpaste, and body washes. Due to their small size, they slip through water treatment plants and are often ingested by marine animals. Choose products with natural exfoliants like oatmeal or salt instead, and be cautious when purchasing cosmetics.

Embrace the Circular Economy

Encourage reuse, repurposing, and exchange to keep plastic out of our oceans. Opt for second-hand items whenever possible, and repair and repurpose items instead of buying new ones. Fast fashion, for example, contributes significantly to plastic waste, with 87% of garments ending up in landfills or incinerators. Rewearing clothes more frequently and washing them less often can help reduce plastic consumption.

Support Legislation and Initiatives

Advocate for and support legislation that aims to curb plastic production and improve waste management. This includes initiatives like bag taxes or bans, as well as more comprehensive efforts like the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act in the United States. Also, support businesses that offer alternatives to single-use plastics, and be vocal about your desire for more sustainable options.

Participate in Cleanups

Get involved with local movements and initiatives to mitigate plastic pollution in your community. Participate in or organize cleanups of your local waterways and beaches to directly remove plastic waste and prevent it from reaching the ocean.

Frequently asked questions