Citizen-Scientist \u2013 Skill Level: Three<\/h4>\nInventory of Hazardous Chemicals<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Title:<\/strong>\u00a0What\u2019s In Your Watershed?<\/strong><\/p>\n
Non-Point Pollution in Runoff<\/strong> \nThe Clean Water Act, which was made law in 1972, regulated pollution coming from point sources such as factories and, as a result, our waters are much cleaner and healthier.\u00a0 Today, one of the biggest threats to our streams, lakes, and bays is the non-point source pollution washing off of the land.<\/p>\n
The list of things that rain can wash into our waters is quite long. Many garden products end up in our waters.\u00a0 Other sources of non-point pollution might surprise you such as:<\/p>\n
– Feces from dogs, livestock, and high concentrations of wild animals \n– Motor oil from parked cars \n– Copper from car brake pads \n– Car and truck exhaust \n– Non-natural soil erosion<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Activity 1: Chemical Investigations<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Objective:<\/strong>\u00a0Research environmental hazards associated with common home, yard and garden products and research ways to reduce these hazards. \nScience Skills:<\/strong>\u00a0 Research a Problem, Evaluate, Invent\u00a0<\/strong>Solutions, Problem Solve. \nLife Skills:\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>Keeping Records, Problem Solving, Responsible Citizenship<\/p>\n\n
Gather yard and garden products from around your home.\u00a0 Open the labels on the back and look for information on \u201cEnvironmental Hazards.\u201d\u00a0 Also look at the application instructions and note which products advise you to avoid applying near surface waters, or storm drains, or to keep the product off of sidewalks and driveways. \u00a0\u00a0For help understanding how to read pesticide labels:<\/li>\n
Record the names and intended use of products with environmental hazard statements as well as those which caution the user to keep away from surface water, storm drains, and hardened surfaces.<\/li>\n
Research alternative methods or products to solve those problems the products on your list were intended to address.<\/li>\n
Work with community partners to create a public awareness campaign about chemicals in your watershed.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
<\/p>\n
Activity 2:<\/strong>\u00a0 Water Quality and Pollution Sampling<\/h4>\n
Objective:<\/strong>\u00a0 Collect and analyze water samples and become familiar with chemical composition of storm-water runoff. \nScience Skills:<\/strong>\u00a0 Collect Data, Measure, Observe, Use Tools \nLife Skills:\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>Community Service and Volunteering, Contributions to Group Effort, Service Learning, Marketable Skills, Teamwork, Keeping Records<\/p>\n
Preparation Activities:\u00a0<\/strong>Choose one of the Water Quality testing organizations listed in \u201cIt\u2019s All Connected<\/strong>\u201d to volunteer. Training and\/or kits available through WSU Extension.<\/p>\n
Materials<\/strong> \nWater sampling kit<\/p>\n
Re-Sources Storm-water and Water Quality Internships<\/strong> \nRE Sources for Sustainable Communities offers volunteer and internship positions for people interested in monitoring storm-water and water quality.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
![\"Gutter](\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-extension\/uploads\/sites\/2093\/2020\/03\/GutterGuardians.gif\")
<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"Natural](\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-extension\/uploads\/sites\/2093\/2020\/03\/NaturalResourcesStewardship_logo.gif\"){kind=logo}
<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n![\"Inventory](\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-extension\/uploads\/sites\/2093\/2020\/04\/HazardousChemicals.jpg\")