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You may not be surprised to learn that the health of your lake is linked to various activities occurring throughout your watershed. But what may surprise you is that a many sources of pollution can start in your own back yard! Activities such as yardwork, car maintenance, salting the steps in winter and even walking the dog, can impact ground and surface waters. This publication will give you tips to help minimize impacts your household may have on a lake or stream in your watershed. When homes are developed, land surfaces are usually reduced by buildings, driveways, sidewalks and streets. What once was covered with vegetation is replaced with a impervious surfaces. Consequently, the amount of water that is able to soak into the soil can be reduced, resulting in more water running off the land and into lakes. As runoff heads toward a lake, it picks up pollutants such as excess nutrients from lawn fertilizers, bacteria from pet wastes, litter, sediment particles from exposed soil... and the list goes on and on. In urbanized areas, runoff is often routed through underground storm sewers that can empty directly into a lake or a tributary stream. So even households that are not located directly along shorelines can impact the lake. During periods of heavy rains or floods, inparticular, runoff and associated pollutants can enter lakes and streams quickly and in greater amounts having even more impact on the lake. What you do around your home can help—or harm—lake water quality. For example, rain can wash improperly applied fertilizers and pesticides into lakes. On the other hand, carefully planned landscapes and prudent lawn care practices which involve following label directions can reduce pollution and, in turn, help protect water quality. Similarly, anything that drips from a motor vehicle can wash into storm sewers. Antifreeze, gasoline and motor oil are toxic to aquatic life. Just five quarts of motor oil, for instance, can create an oil slick the size of two football fields!  Looks can be deceiving. Even homes and neighborhoods that are not located directly on lake shorelines can impact water quality. Whether you live in the city or the country... whether your home is large or small... whether you have a lot of time and money to invest in your yard or just a little—there is something you can do to help improve the quality of your local lake. By following the tips in this publication, you can help minimize the impact your home and yard poses on local lakes while enhancing your home, community and watershed. |
