Mud, ponded water, and streams flowing through our yards….winter was tough this year. With all that water, soils are soaked. Spring rains flow over wet soils, picking up and carrying pollutants on the land into ditches and creeks. This includes poop and bacteria from livestock, dogs, wildlife, and improperly functioning septic systems. Water carries fecal bacteria through our ditches and creeks, downstream to rivers and into our bays and harbors.

High bacteria levels increase the risk of people getting sick from contacting contaminated water. Our favorite beaches are closed to swimming and harvesting shellfish when there is too much bacteria. Everyone should be able to enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, crabbing, and harvesting shellfish – safely. Working together we can reduce bacteria, protect the health of our families, and allow our community to thrive.

Many neighbors are helping to protect water quality and our community’s health by responsibly managing manure and pet waste, reducing mud and soil compaction, and ensuring properly functioning septic systems.

There are ways for everyone to be a part of the solution. These spring season tips can get you started.