Did you know that the major source of pollution to our rivers, lakes and steams is stormwater runoff? As rainwater flows over the land it picks up a variety of pollutants, including lawn care chemicals, pet waste, litter, automotive fluids, and more. These substances are washed into waterways along with the storm water runoff. Some of this runoff heads directly into surface waters, and some makes its way into catch basins and through underground pipe systems that eventually dump into waterways. Individual actions can make a big difference in improving storm water quality and protecting our waterways.