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No matter where you live, you live in a watershed. A watershed
is the land area that drains to a single body of water such
as a stream, lake, wetland, or underground aquifer. Watersheds
come in many different sizes: a few acres might drain into a
small stream or wetland; a few large rivers might drain into
an estuary, such as the Chesapeake Bay, where fresh water and
salt water mix. The actions of people who live in a watershed
affect the health of the waters that drain through it. Whenever
rain falls or snow melts, chemicals, fertilizers, sediment,
and other pollutants from the land are washed into lakes, streams,
wetlands, and rivers.
- Conserve water every day by taking shorter showers,
fixing leaks, and turning off the water while brushing your
teeth.
- Don’t pour toxic household chemicals down the
drain. Take them to the I-66 Transfer Station in Fairfax (4618
West Ox Road) or the I-95 Landfill in Lorton (9850 Furnace
Road).
- Use hardy plants in your yard that require little
or no watering, fertilizers, or pesticides.
- Test your soil before applying fertilizer because
it might not need it!
- Recycle your yard waste in a compost pile and leave
grass clippings on the lawn.
- Use surfaces like wood, brick, and gravel for decks,
patios, and walkways. They allow rain to soak in, not run
off.
- Never pour used oil or antifreeze into the storm drain or
the street. Recycle them at your local service station.
- Pick up after your dog (or cat) and dispose of the
waste in the toilet or the trash.
- Drive less. Walk or bike instead.
- Adopt your watershed! Call the Northern Virginia Soil
and Water Conservation District at 703-324-1460 for advice
on starting a local watershed group, monitoring
your neighborhood stream, or stenciling
storm drains.
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