What You Can Do
As an Individual
Did you know there are a number of actions you can take as an individual to help prevent excessive nitrogen and phosphorus pollution into your local watershed? Your actions can make a difference!
- Decisions you make about your garden can affect the water quality of nearby rivers and streams
- Use fertilizers sparingly and sweep up driveways, sidewalks and gutters
- Plant ground cover in bare spots in your yard
- Never dump anything down storm drains or in streams
- Take your car to the car wash instead of washing it in the driveway
- Pick up after your pet
As Part of a Community
Your local watershed can provide an opportunity for community involvement. Watersheds are those land areas that catch rain or snow and drain to specific marshes, streams, rivers, lakes, or to ground water. Adopt your Watershed today.
The Nonpoint Source Outreach Toolbox contains a variety of resources to help develop an effective and targeted outreach campaign.
Potential Problems
Here are some indicators that would present a potential environmental problem:
- Dead fish and green waters could potentially indicate a nitrogen and phosphorus pollution problem. Contact your state environmental agency.
- If you notice an illegal action such as the dumping of trash into a water body, please contact your local police department.
State Environmental Agency
Use the map to select a state or EPA Region for a link to your state environmental agency.