Other than the truly bad guys, out to consciously do harm, none of us gets up in the morning with polluting water on our day’s agenda. But many of us do, without being aware of it, in numerous ways.

When rain or water from garden hoses and sprinklers flows into our yards, and subsequently into our groundwater and even our streets, it carries pollutants into the storm drains; pollutants like fertilizers and grass clippings, and possibly motor oil, pesticides, paints, and pet waste as well. In most places, whatever goes down a storm drain flows directly - without treatment - into local creeks, streams, and rivers, and eventually to the ocean, threatening water quality for humans and wildlife.

A few words about the most common of these pollutants:

• Fertilizers promote algae growth in our waterways. When algae decomposes, the oxygen level in the water is depleted, harming aquatic life. When using fertilizers, follow application instructions, be sure to not over water, and don’t apply if rain is forecasted.

• Yard and grass clippings can reach our local waterways by washing into storm drains. Keep green waste out of storm drains. Try grasscycling (the practice of leaving clippings on the lawn when mowing – the bonus is, since you don’t need to bag the clippings, it will save you time mowing), or composting, or participating in a green waste program.

• Testing has shown that even small amounts of commonly used pesticides may be lethal to living creatures. Try non-toxic alternatives for pest control. Take unwanted or unused pesticides to a household hazardous waste collection center.

• Did you know that each year over 180 million gallons of motor oil are disposed of illegally by people who change oil in their vehicles at their home? Never put motor oil in the trash or pour it on the ground, or down a storm drain. Recycle it! Many auto service stores accept used motor oil, and many waste haulers offer curbside collection of used motor oil.

Being aware of these pollutants is one of the keys to cleaner water. Only we hold that key. Please be aware – it’s our water, our environment, our earth – it’s our home!

(This information is provided in part by our friends at earth911.org. For more information on water pollution and how you can help keep our waterways clean, visit earth911)