Pesticides, Herbicides & Fertilizers
Excess amounts of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers applied to yards, lawns and greenways are washed into streams during rainfall events. These chemicals can cause increased algae growth and toxicity to organisms.
Residential Areas
Pet waste, vehicle fluids (oil, gas and antifreeze), paint, pesticides, solvents, batteries, hazardous wastes, grass clippings, tree trimmings, leaves, street litter, soap from car washing.
Sediment
Sediment can be harmful to aquatic life such as plants, fish, and other animals that live in lakes and streams because it blocks the light needed to support the habitat. Also, sediments can carry chemicals that are toxic and that cause the oxygen in water to be used up.
Sediments clog fish gills and fill in the places they hide. They can also cover the bottoms of streams, harming the habitat needed by aquatic insects and plants. Sediment generally is the result of soil erosion from lawns, hillsides, and gardening/landscaping activities. Large amounts of sediment can reduce the capacity of streams to carry storm runoff requiring tax dollars to clean the streambed.
Toxic Substances
Gasoline, household products, and paint thinner are examples of toxic substances. These substances can deplete oxygen in waterways and cause toxic effects in living organisms.