In natural landscapes, such as forests and meadows, water from rain or melting snow is absorbed by the soil and held by plants and trees. In developed areas, this water “runs off” across the land instead of seeping into the ground, flowing from the land to local rivers, lakes and eventually, the ocean. Too much water runoff can cause flooding, destroying property and wildlife habitats.
What Can I Do?
Things you can do to eliminate flooding and reduce pollutants in local rivers:
- Control water runoff by planting trees
- Install a native plant or rain garden
- Collect rain in a rain barrel can
What’s In That Water?
Activities we do in and around our house result in chemicals, trash and pet waste on lawns, sidewalks and roads. Water from rain and melting snow can also carry harmful waste from the land to local rivers and streams. When you water your lawn or wash your car, this water also runs off, carrying pollutants and causing problems for the environment.
What Can I Do?
Things you can do to reduce the harmful chemicals that end up in the river:
- Put trash in a proper container
- Check within your community for proper hazardous household chemical and drug disposal
- Limit or eliminate your use of fertilizers and pesticides on your lawn
- Clean up after you walk your dog
Plastics – Bottles and Bags
Humans produce over 300 million tons of plastic every year, including bottles and bags. Less than 5% is recycled and over 7 million tons will litter streets, clog sewers, pollute waterways and end up in the ocean. It can take over 400 years for plastic to decompose. And millions of aquatic animals are killed each year from ingesting or becoming entangled in plastics.
What Can I Do?
Things you can do to decrease the amount of plastic that ends up in our local rivers and streams:
- Reduce your use of plastics
- Reuse, recycle and repurpose items made of plastic
- Replace single-use bottles and bags with a reusable alternative
- Become a smart shopper by choosing products with less plastic packaging
Educate – Yourself And Others
Where does your water come from? And where does it go when it travels down your drain? Whether you get your water from a well or a public water supply, it takes a long journey to and from your house. Human impact is found every step of the way. How much water do you really need and how much do you waste? What does it take to ensure clean fresh water for people and wildlife?
What Can I Do?
Things you can do to inspire everyone to learn about the water supply and how each person can help.
- Connect with and support local environmental and conservation organizations
- Plan family time around nature by visiting locally protected lands that offer hiking trails, birdwatching, kayaking and other recreational activities
- Share what you know with others will double your impact
Get Involved
The banks of local rivers and streams are littered with trash that comes from our homes, schools and businesses. Many organizations and government agencies within your community are restoring habitats, monitoring waterways and developing solutions to the water pollution problem.
What Can I Do?
Things you can do to take action within your community:
- Organize a team to build a wildlife habitat at your school
- Volunteer your time with your friends and family at a local river or trail cleanup
- Participate in a river monitoring project
- Donate time and money to an environmental or conservation organization
This is the trailer for a short film funded by William Penn Foundation and produced by Open Space Institute in collaboration with Delaware River Watershed Initiative.
“A WaterShed Moment”
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