Car pool, ride the bus, or use your bike. Fewer cars on the road mean less pollution in our streams and creeks. YOUR YARD . Mud and dirt carried into streams and rivers also cause serious water quality problems. Soil particles, or sediment, can cloud the water, making it difficult for aquatic organisms to see and breathe.
Many contaminants attach to soil particles.
As long as contaminated sediment remain in the water, so does the pollution. Use a broom instead of a hose to clean off dirt and debris from sidewalks and driveways. Plant vegetation or use mulch or straw to cover bare soil. This helps prevent erosion, which washes soil, organic matter, nutrients, and chemicals into waterways. Water your lawn and garden carefully so you don't cause water runoff to carry soil or other pollutants into the street and storm drain.