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Healthy streams are an important part of our communities. Unfortunately Little Alamance Creek is not very healthy. This is because rain flows over the ground picking up chemicals, dirt, fertilizers, dog waste and other pollutants and carrying them into the stream. Not only are these pollutants dangerous to the critters that need clean water to survive, they're dangerous to us. Nutrients from fertilizer and animal waste may cause algae to grow out of control. Some types of algae contain poisonous toxins that can make our children or our pets sick if exposed. Pet waste and manure contain bacteria like salmonella and E.Coli. Think of all the dogs in your neighborhood. Are you willing to risk it?
As our communities grow, we put down more roads, homes and businesses, parking lots and sidewalks. These impervious surfaces don't allow water to absorb naturally into the ground where most pollutants are filtered out. Instead, water is forced to travel over the land, or through a stormdrain which deposits the water UNTREATED into nearby waters. These polluted waters will eventually be used for drinking, fishing, swimming and other essential activities!
There's good news! There are some simple changes you can make that will improve water quality in your backyard. Get your soil tested so you know how much fertilizer to use, or encourage your neighbors to pick up their dog waste. For more helpful hints on what you can do to improve water quality, visit our "Get Involved" page.
