Statewide Eco Ed Program & Nonpoint Source Pollution Task Force

This show is brought to you by the: Statewide Eco Ed Program&Nonpoint Source Pollution Task Force

What is a watershed? • A place where you store water? • A shed made of water? • A place that is really wet?

A watershed is an area of land that drains to a common point.

It’s like your shower or bathtub. All the water that lands inside the edges goes down the drain.

In a watershed the water usually drains to a stream, wetland or lake.

Let’s take a look at a watershed in North Dakota.

This is the Missouri River watershed (in blue) in North Dakota. • What river does the Missouri empty into?

As you can see the Missouri River watershed is pretty large. • It’s part of the Mississippi River watershed.

Now let’s see what we can do to prevent water pollution in our watershed.

When we build houses and roads we need to make sure that the soil stays at the construction site and doesn’t runoff into a surface water. Using grass filter strips is a good idea.

After you change the oil in your car or truck you need to take the used oil to a recycler. • Amoco and Jiffy Lube dealers will usually take your used oil.

Runoff from feedlots should be treated to prevent “feeding” our surface waters with nutrients which cause excess plant and algae growth.

Trash should be put in its place to keep it out of the runoff from our streets. • Never pour paints and other liquids into a storm drain, they go right to your river or lake.

When washing your vehicle you should wash it on your lawn. The grass gets watered and dirt and soap won’t enter the storm sewer.

Leaving stubble mulch in your fields helps prevent wind and water erosion. • Too much dirt in a lake or river can clog the fish’s gill so they can’t breathe.

Let’s Make One Thing Perfectly Clear!!! WATER

Statewide Eco Ed Program & Nonpoint Source Pollution Task Force