Let's Save Our Lakes

We’re rolling out an awareness campaign – local TV channels and radio stations have generously donated airtime. During these 30 second segments, we’re going to educate ourselves and our neighbors on how to keep our water clean.

Here are the tips we will be shining the spotlight on:

Disconnect your downspout from the sewer system.

Use grass, soil, clay bricks outside (rather than pavement, gravel), so that we can minimize sewage overflows and so that rainwater can soak into the ground.

Avoid pesticides.

Don’t flush or pour chemicals or pharmaceuticals down the drain.

Take unused drugs back to the pharmacy or to a hazardous waste disposal site.

Don’t introduce any foreign fish or species into our waterways. Don’t dump your aquarium fish anywhere, including the toilet.

Avoid antibacterial soap because it contains riclosan, which is toxic to wildlife and converts to a form of dioxin in the water.

Let’s continue to push forward and ensure clean water for our children and generations to come.

Barbara L works for the National Wildlife Federation's Great Lakes office.