Our streams, rivers and bay becomes polluted in a number of ways. Some of the ways are waste from farm animals, fertilizer run off, erosion, trash and improper waste water treatments. Governmental agencies and organizations such as the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) work hard every day to clean our waterways but it comes down to one thing and that's landowner responsibility to insure clean water passes along their property. Waste water plants need to test waste water on a regular basis and properly maintain facilities. Examples of things property owners can do is not dump trash in or near the water, keep farm animals out of the water and allow buffers to grow along the banks bordering the water. Buffers are best if they can be at least 15 foot wide, include plants that promote a root system that stabilizes the banks, tall grasses that help filter flooding water and trees that provide shade. These buffers not only help to keep our water clean but reduce water temperature in our waterways and provide natural habitat for wildlife. Focus has been placed on manufacturers and town/city waste water plants for years and good results have been made. Its now time for EVERYONE to take responsibility.
All property owners along our waterways have a responsibility to keep the water clean as it passes along their property. Governmental agencies and organizations such as CBF are available to help and make recommendations. Property owners that do not live along the waterways can also help by planting trees, shrubs, rain gardens, etc. Pretty much anything you can do to retain water on your property and keep property temperatures low with shade.
Please enjoy the video below.
http://www.youtube.com/v/o7kB7-UN7m4?version=3&hl=en_US
