We depend on water for drinking, food production, recreation and healthy ecosystems. We swim, fish, play and celebrate in and around water. Water pollution can impact us all. Missouri is blessed with an abundance of water and it takes all of us to protect it. You can take simple steps to protect our state’s water resources while at home, traveling on roads and trails, and while enjoying our waterways.
- Plant vegetation along streams to slow down water and allow it to soak into the ground before it runs off into streams.
- Avoid farming or building next to the edge of a stream.
- Have your soil tested and learn responsible lawn care when using fertilizer, pesticides and herbicides.
- Build a rain garden in your backyard.
- Do not put anything down a storm drain that could harm local streams, rivers or lakes.
- Keep your septic tank properly maintained.
You also can make your voice heard by supporting developers who include rain gardens, stormwater retention basins and green space in their development plans. Attend public meetings and hearings, and comment on public notices about protecting our water resources, flood mitigation, and in all areas related to water resources. We invite you to help us make a difference.
