 Alabama has more than 132,000 miles of streams and rivers that provide drinking water and recreational opportunities, while also supporting a diverse ecosystem of plants and animals, as well as business and industry in our state. As much as we rely on these waters, our everyday activities on the land can contribute to pollution of our streams, rivers, lakes, and bays. Fortunately, we can each take simple steps to protect the waters that we rely on for drinking water, swimming, boating, fishing, or just quiet enjoyment. Did you know that when it rains, stormwater that flows across parking lots, roadways, rooftops, and other surfaces usually travels directly to rivers and streams with no treatment? This polluted stormwater runoff, or non-point source pollution, is the number one cause of water pollution in the United States. That's right, pollutants that you see on the ground will wash into nearby waters unless we take action to keep our water clean. Here are five action items we can all do to prevent pollution into Alabama's water resources. Number one, put litter in its place. It sounds simple, and it is. Placing litter in a trash bin keeps items that can be harmful to wildlife, fish, and humans from being washed into our waters. Number two, learn about your lawn. Follow directions for lawn and garden chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides. Putting out more chemicals than you need is a waste of your money and can cause excess chemicals to enter streams, rivers, lakes, and bays. Excess nutrients can lead to algae blooms, decreased dissolved oxygen, and increased water treatment costs. Get a soil test from Auburn University to better understand what your lawn and garden needs are. Don't guess. Soil test. Number three, fix oil and gas leaks. Toxins found in oil and gas that leak from vehicles can wash off into storm drains when it rains, harming wildlife in streams, rivers, lakes, and bays. It's an easy way to improve your vehicle while also helping our waterways. Number four, pick up and dispose of pet waste. That animal waste has pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites. These disease-causing organisms can be a health hazard to both animals and humans, especially when they end up in our water. It's simple. Pick up the poop and throw it away. Number five, only rain down the storm drain. Don't wash yard clippings, leaves, pet waste, car wash soap, or household chemicals down the storm drain. These items travel directly to nearby waters contributing to water pollution. Water pollution impacts us all, but being aware of our actions and our connections to healthy streams, rivers, lakes, and bays means a better Alabama for everyone.