What can you do to help protect surface and groundwaters from polluted runoff?

Start at home.

• Form or join a citizen's action group:
  www.state.me.us/dep/blwq/group.htm
• Fifteen Things You Can Do to Make a Difference in Your Watershed (EPA)
  http://www.epa.gov/owow/watershed/earthday/earthday.html
• Take a close look at practices around your house that might contribute to polluted runoff. The following is a checklist to help you and your family become part of the solution, instead of part of the problem:
  http://www.epa.gov/adopt/patch/html/dosdonts.html

Learn about your watershed.

• What is a watershed? For more educational information about watersheds, check out the following site:
  http://www.epa.gov/adopt/patch/html/background.html
• To locate your watershed, you can use this interactive EPA website:
  http://cfpub.epa.gov/surf/locate/index.cfm
• Learn about the geography of your watershed by using a topographic map. For help using maps, go to:
  http://www.epa.gov/adopt/patch/latlong.pdf
• Take a stream walk. This is a great opportunity to prepare by learning about your watershed, science and biology. Helpful tips for planning your streamwalk can be found at:
  http://www.epa.gov/adopt/patch/html/streamtips.html
• Looking at stream critters can be a fun part of a stream walk. For more information about activities to do while on your streamwalk, check out the following EPA website:
  http://www.epa.gov/adopt/patch/html/critters.html
• To learn more about the terms used to talk about watersheds, pollution and the environment, check out this online glossary:
  http://www.epa.gov/adopt/patch/html/glossary.html

Coordinate a Community Service Activity.

• Look for ideas on the Educators page.