Pollution of water can be caused by many things including rainfall moving over the ground.  As the rain runoff moves, it picks up pollutants and deposits them into lakes, rivers, and ground water.  Fertilizers and pesticides can be washed into streams.  Gasoline and oil drips from automobiles, lawnmowers and trimmers, dog wastes, litter thrown from cars, and the list goes on, can be carried into streams and then into lakes and reservoirs.

As an area such as Dawson County continues to develop, hard surfaces such as roofs, driveways and roads take the place of trees, increasing the speed and force of the water.  Poorly managed, sloping lawns and walks replaced pastures and forest.  These areas can shed water more quickly, leading to more erosion and runoff.

Slowing down run-off in the landscape can help.   A few years ago, it was common practice to divert downspouts to the driveway or street, so that the storm drains would carry off the water.  Not only has this practice increased runoff and erosion, but also our recent years of drought and water restrictions have shown that we need to help our landscape use this water, instead of wasting it. 

While it is crucial to move water away from the house, water from downspouts can be diverted to near shrub beds or into gently swales, where more of it can soak into the soil.  Island beds can be built to cross slopes, breaking up the force of the water as they add a beautiful design element to the landscape.  Ground covers or shrub borders can be used in a bed at the bottom of a hill to slow the water.

While a dense, well-managed lawn helps control erosion, many areas of the landscape are unsuitable for grass.  This is especially true in dense shade and where trees compete for water and nutrients.  A ground cover or mulch will hold the soil in place and allow water to slowly sink into the ground, where it can be used by the trees.

Non-point source pollution can also come from agriculture.  For example: farmers should apply pesticides and poultry litter wisely.  By using best management practices, including following a nutrient management plan for litter use on their farms, the agriculture community can help ensure water quality.   The Extension Service will develop nutrient management plans for litter use at no coast. 

Developers also have a vital role in water quality.  By the proper use of silt fences and maintaining ground cover, a great amount of soil can be kept out of streams.  Saving trees on development sites whenever possible also helps prevents soil erosion. 

Homeowners, developers, farmers and every citizen want clean water, but we must work together to keep our streams clean.

Speaking of water, the Dawson County Extension Office will conduct a free educational program that will teach homeowners how to protect their personal well from contamination.  The program will begin at 1:00 p.m. on August 9 and will be held at the Extension Office in Dawsonville. 

For additional information on water quality, contact the Dawson County Extension Service at (706) 265-2442.