Salt and fresh waterways are not being taken care of today.  The problem is, since they are being assaulted, they are no longer fit for drinking and bathing and they are even losing the ability to support life within the water.  Most bodies of water on the earth include things like toxins, fertilizers, prescription drugs, and even sewage.

Although a lot of the responsibility for the destruction of waterways is definitely on large businesses and various governments, every individual can do something to keep our waterways preserved.  You can do something to help take care of the waterways that we have on earth.  Here are some tips that you can use to help out and make a difference.

Tip #1 - Dealing with Storm Water

One reason that streams are degraded is because of storm water runoff that is not controlled.  Often the water ends up on driveways and roads, then it picks up chemicals and various other pollutants and goes into the streams.  With all the runoff, banks can become unstable, the habitat may be lost, and the streams can erode.  What can you do?  You can try capturing storm water with rain barrels or rain gardens.  Another option is to plant plants that will absorb a lot of the water so there is not a lot of runoff when it rains.

Tip #2 - Stop Using So Much Fertilizer

Another thing that you can do is to stop using so much fertilizer.  Most people end up using too much and this fertilizer ends up going into the waterways.  This can make algae grow quickly, and when algae dies, it takes away oxygen and makes the area one where other organisms are not able to live.  If you are going to use fertilizer, do so when it is cold.  You can purchase a kit to test the soil as well to see if you really need to do any fertilizing at all.

Tip #3 - Clean Up the Waste from Your Pet

You may not realize it, but pet waste that is left eventually can wash into the streams in your area.  This increases levels of certain bacteria, which is dangerous for the waterways.  Consider putting the waste from your pet in the toilet or in a trash can.  Another option is to have a worm farm that will take care of your pet’s waste.

Tip #4 - Get Rid of Oil, Waste, and Chemicals the Right Way

Just a small amount of oil is able to contaminate a couple million gallons of our water.  Trash and other types of chemicals can end up causing contamination, clogging, and more.  Make sure you never flush things down the storm water drains.  If you have toxic chemicals, take them to the appropriate place.  Before you flush a pool, you need to make sure you eliminate those chemicals.

Tip #5 - Remember Your Vehicle

Last of all, remember your vehicle.  If you wash your car at your home, often the water with the soap goes right into a waterway.  The chemicals can end up causing problems, like poisoning life forms in the waterway.  If you are leaking fluids, such as oil, you can also pollute the waterways.  If you are going to wash your car at home, do it in the grass, but a better idea is to go to a commercial carwash.  Keep your car serviced as well to avoid any leaks that can be dangerous to waterways.