Water Pollution Facts

Jul 10, 2012 by Hydrology and Ground Water Expo

Water Pollution Fact #1: Water from rain, storm drains, and ditches flows directly to streams and bays with little or no treatment. Storm drains and ditches are DIFFERENT than sewers. They are NOT CONNECTED to a treatment plant.

Water Pollution Fact #2: We all live in a watershed. What you do on your property does affect streams, even if you don’t live on a stream. A watershed is an area of land which drains to the lowest point, usually a stream or bay.

Water Pollution Fact #3: Small amounts of contaminants from all over the land add up to cause pollution in our water. Yes, even the little things matter. You WILL make a difference, no matter how small, if you change the way you do some things.

Follow the suggestions in this Fact Sheet to minimize your impact on our water.

Water Pollution Fact #4: Failing septic systems pollute. Untreated wastewater from failing septic systems can contaminate nearby streams, drinking water sources, and bays.

Inspect your septic system every 3-5 years.
Pump as needed.

Water Pollution Fact #5: Soap from washing your car at home pollutes. Soap and dirt from washing your car can flow through our storm drains and ditches and end up in our streams untreated.

Wash your car at a commercial car wash, on the grass, or on a graveled area.

Water Pollution Fact #6: Soap from charity car washes can pollute if not handled properly.

Many charity car washes use available alternatives to prevent dirty, soapy water from going down the storm drain. Commercial car wash water goes to the sewer and is treated. Hold your charity car wash at a commercial car wash with a charity car wash program.
Contact Kitsap County’s Sound Car Wash Program at 360-337-5777 to reserve the FREE Bubble Buster.

Water Pollution Fact #7: Oil and antifreeze from leaking cars pollutes. When it rains, water runs over the ground and picks up oil, antifreeze, and other pollutants and carries them to our streams and bays.

Put a drip tray under your car to catch car leaks.
Fix car leaks.

Water Pollution Fact #8: Garden and lawn chemicals pollute. Common pesticides and fertilizers have been found in neighborhood streams in the Puget Sound Region.

Pull weeds by hand.
Avoid use of chemicals. If necessary, use sparingly and as directed.
Call for information on alternatives to weed and bug killers.

Water Pollution Fact #9: Household cleaners and chemicals can pollute. Cleaners and chemicals used or disposed of outside can end up in our streams and bays. These same cleaners and chemicals can cause harm to septic systems and wastewater treatment plants.