Stormwater Pollution and
How You Can Help
Stormwater pollution is the fastest growing type of water pollution in Massachusetts. It fouls our lakes, rivers, and streams, and spoils our water supplies and outdoor activities, as well as the fish and wildlife that depend on them. Stormwater is any natural or man-made contamination that finds its way into our natural water sources and there are easy steps we can take and new practices we can incorporate to help protect our water.
Too much fertilizer on your lawn is not good for the environment. When it rains, the excessive nutrients added to grass washes into local storm drains or streams. It can cause algae blooms, harm aquatic plants and wildflie. This season, explore a different approach to ween yourself away from traditional lawn care - or talk to your landscaper. Learn more from this article from Harvard Magazine.
Dog waste in the environment. First, dog poop is not "natural." It has excessive nutrients in it from dog food and can also contain harmful bacteria and parasites. When it decomposes, those nutrients and pathogens can compromise the natural soil and leech into local waterways. This can cause harm to our native flora and fauna, as well as harm our water and aquatic life. Those algae blooms we hear about in the summer? That's from stormwater pollution. Read more about Dog Waste in the Environment on the Town's website and this comical video from a not so polite Poo Fairy. Scoop it every time and bin it every time. Responsible dog walkers do this to protect the environment.
Learn more about stormwater pollution on the Town's website.