Get Involved
Everybody can help stop water pollution. Learn as much as you can. Invite the local conservation district staff to your school. Read books and the newspaper. Tell your family and friends what you want to do to help.

Save Water
It's important to save water whenever possible. Remember to turn the water off whil brushing your teeth or washing your hands. Name another way you can help save water.

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Use Household Products Properly
BE CAREFUL...Many things around the home like paint or cleaners can harm you and cause water pollution if they are not handled and disposed of properly. How can you be sure you are using cleaners properly?

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(possible answers: read labels, ask an adult)

Care For Your Lawn
Everyone needs to use fertilizers carefully. If too much fertilizer is used, the fertilizer can wash into sreams and cause water pollution. How can you be sure fertilizers are being used properly?

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(possible answers: follow directions, ask an adult)

Plant Trees And Shrubs
Trees and shrubs help prevent water pollution by soaking up extra fertilizer (nutrients). Plants also prevent erosion by keeping the dirt where it belongs -- on the land and out of the water. Can you tink of something you can plant that will make your yard look nice and help prevent water pollution? Name some other ways plants help the environment.

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(possible answers: trees help reduce air pollution)

Control Bugs Carefully
Not all bugs are bad. It's important to read labels and follow directions when using pesticides (bug sprays). Some pesticides can cause water pollutionand even kill friendly insects like ladybugs. Staff at your local Cooperative Extension can teach your family safe, new ways to control pests. Can you think of an unwanted bug that might live in or near you home?

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(possible answers: termites, carpenter ants, silver fish, carpenter bees)

Control Rainwater
When lots of rain falls on hard surfaces like concrete sidewalks, driveways and streets it can run off carrying leaves, trash and car oil into storm drains. The storm drains eventually dump into creeks and rivers causing water pollution. Can you think of a way to help rain water soak into the ground?

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(possible answers: use materials such as wood and flagstone for patios, fix leaking cars, divert downspouts onto grased areas, etc.)

Do You Have a "W-otter" Pollution Solution?
Write to us at:

The Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, 25 North Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101