Clean water = Healthy fish
Storm sewers do not go through treatment facilities. Runoff from your lawn and streets goes right into lakes and streams, and into the St. Croix River. It’s like we all own river-front property.
Storm water runoff contains lots of phosphorus, which is used as a fertilizer on lawns and fields. It is effective in water, too. Just one pound of phosphorus can grow up to 500 lbs. of aquatic plants and algae.
Algae turns lakes and the river into a thick, smelly green soup that is undesirable for swimming and other recreation. Too much algae clouds water, blocks sunlight, and lowers oxygen levels in the water, which can cause fish kills.
In natural landscapes, rain tends to soak into the ground gradually. However, today much of the land is covered by streets, parking lots and roofs – where the water cannot soak into the ground. Instead, water runs off rapidly through storm sewers, carrying pollutants collected along the way directly into our water bodies.
Plant for clean water
You can help keep runoff from polluting the St. Croix River, as well as other local lakes and streams, by planting for clean water. This means less algae and more fish!
Native plants and raingardens help clean water naturally since they generally have deep root systems that anchor soil and act as filters, collecting dirty run-off from streets and rooftops, and separating out pollutants while absorbing water and decreasing flooding.
Three ways you can help keep the fish biting and the St. Croix clean:
- Sweep up grass clippings, leaves and debris from the road in front of your home. Rain washes this debris into storm drains and ditches, polluting nearby lakes and streams that connect to the St. Croix River.
- Plant for clean water. Native gardens, raingardens and shoreline plantings attract birds and butterflies and help to keep water clean. Get started at www.BlueThumb.org.
- Get out on the river! Celebrate the St. Croix River during the St. Croix River Association’s three week paddle this July. Lean more at www.scrapaddle.org.
Clean water is good for people and fish. Learn more about planting for clean water at www.BlueThumb.org.
Live in Washington County? You can get financial help for rain gardens and other clean water planting projects. Visit the Washington Conservation District website for more information.