What You Can Do - Water Topics

General Water Topics	About Water Liquid Assets 2000: America's Water Resources at a Turning Point Water Topics Things You Can Do Geographic Information Human Health Concerns Pollution Prevention Education Resources Success Stories and Case Studies Good Things to Know
Fresh Surface Waters	Keep litter, leaves, and debris out of street gutters and storm drains - these outlets can drain directly to lakes, streams, rivers, and wetlands. Pick up pet waste and dispose of it properly to prevent harmful bacteria and nutrients from washing into storm drains and eventually into local water bodies. Consider purchasing household detergents and cleaners that are low in phosphorous to reduce the amount of nutrients discharged into lakes, rivers, and streams. Organize a storm drain marking project to remind neighbors that storm drains connect to local water bodies and that dumping might pollute those waters. Volunteer to monitor streams and lakes in your community.
Ground Water	Conserve water to reduce the depletion of ground water aquifers. Limit your use of chemical pesticides or fertilizers which can soak into the soil and contaminate ground water. If you rely on a septic system, have it inspected annually and pumped out regularly to prevent ground water contamination. Volunteer to help a watershed or wellhead protection organization in your community. If there are no active groups, consider starting one.
Wetlands	Encourage neighbors, developers, and state and local governments to protect the quality of wetlands in your area. Support public agencies working on wetlands restoration efforts. Support private organizations working on wetlands restoration efforts. Plant native vegetation in your yard and limit your use of fertilizers and pesticides. If you are a landowner, conserve and restore wetlands on your property. Call EPA's Wetlands Helpline if you need more information about wetlands regulation, legislation, and policies. Participate in American Wetlands Month to help celebrate the vital importance of the nation's wetlands.
Coastal Waters	Reduce marine debris by disposing of trash properly. Reduce, reuse, and recycle the things you take to the beach - don't leave them there. Know what type of marine sanitation device is installed on your boat. Use and maintain it properly. Join local beach clean ups or volunteer to collect environmental information on the health and trends of local estuaries. At home, conserve water, keep septic systems properly maintained, and use natural substances like compost to fertilize gardens to protect the nation's coastal waters. Find out about current and historical closings, advisories, and other information for beaches you want to visit.
Drinking Water	Find a watershed organization in your community and volunteer to help. Protect your local drinking water source by using and properly disposing of harmful materials such as used paint cans, motor oil, and household cleaners. Review your state's annual drinking water report to find out if your water system is meeting drinking water standards. Have your water tested if you suspect your home's drinking water contains unsafe levels of lead. Attend public meetings to ensure that your community's need for safe drinking water is considered in any pending land use decisions. Contact your local drinking water facility for a schedule.
Recreational Waters	Maintain your boats to reduce oil leaks. Check local beach closures and advisories, and don't swim at a beach if it is closed. If possible, avoid swimming near pollution sources such as discharge pipes, outfalls and runoff ditches, and avoid urban beaches after a heavy rainfall. Encourage marina owners and operators to provide clean and safe onshore restrooms and pumpout facilities.
Consumable Fish and Shellfish	Pay attention to fish consumption advisories. This is especially important for women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, and for nursing mothers and young children. Contact your local fish advisory program for more information about the safety of locally caught fish. If the fish you eat isn't locally caught, eat up to 12 ounces (2 average meals) a week of a variety of fish and shellfish that are lower in mercury, such as shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, and catfish. Read "What you need to know about mercury in fish and shellfish" (2pp, 236K) - a good resource for women of child-bearing age and parents.

What You Can Do - Water Topics

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