Today, most of the pollution entering our waterways arrives with the rain water that runs off hard surfaces such as roads, parking lots, and rooftops. The polluting culprits are dirt, oil and toxic auto fluids, pesticides and fertilizer, and bacteria from animal waste and failing septic systems.
We depend on storm drains and sewers, drainage ditches, and culverts to keep our streets from flooding during storms. Yet, these devices also direct polluted and untreated rainwater straight into our local streams, lakes and wetlands.
The Washtenaw County Road Commission, in conjunction with other watershed partners, encourages the public to educate themselves on simple steps they can take to help reduce pollution. Some simple steps you can take include washing your car on the lawn, picking up pet waste, and choosing phosphorous free lawn fertilizer. Please refer to the information and video clips below, or visit our partner websites for more information.
