Sometimes, people pollute streams because they are careless and don't keep their trash out of streams or they don't understand that their actions can harm the stream. Also, if people use too much fertilizer and too many pesticides on their lawns, fertilizer and pesticides can run off lawns and into streams when it rains. Sometimes factory pipes put harmful chemicals into streams. Streams also get polluted when rainfall picks up pollutants from streets. Oil, pet wastes, chemicals and trash are carried by rain water into streams, lakes, wetlands, bays and oceans.
Rain also can pick up air pollution as it falls to Earth.
Acid rain is one example. Adopt a stream and look for pollution problems. Organize a stream trash cleanup with kids and adults. Tell your parents when you see pollution problems. Plant trees along the stream to provide shade and stabilize streambanks.