Where does it all end up?

Nonpoint source pollution is such a problem because we all contribute to it. Let's say you over fertilize your lawn, litter, or use herbicides and pesticides; it will eventually rain or you over-water your yard creating runoff that ends up in the storm sewer. Unlike what you may believe or have been told, this water does not go to the wastewater treatment plant but goes directly into our lakes and streams. Everything you directly or indirectly put down the storm sewer will affect the environment downstream.

What is a watershed?

We all know that water flows downhill lead by gravitational forces. This means that water in your storm sewer empties somewhere lower than where it goes in. Lets say for example that your storm sewer empties into a creek 1/4 mile from your house. That creek probably also receives storm water from several other areas. The water in the creek again flows downhill or downstream into another larger stream, river, or eventually a lake. The network created by all of this is called a watershed.

Lets take a look at the Shreveport area watersheds.

Select your watershed to find out more about it.

Each watershed shows the area of Shreveport that drains into the streams and lakes. As you can see, a large area is affected and therefore many people control the problem. You can make a difference!!

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