Clean water is one of the basic compounds that sustains life. Without it, ecosystems throughout South Carolina will wither and die…and although we are blessed with vast supplies of water by nature, we are not blessed with vast supplies of clean water.

Yes, it’s clean when nature delivers it. However, by the time it drains to our rivers, lakes and streams it has picked up sediment, oil, fuel, rubber from our tires and shoes and other contaminants.

In addition to the effect on the environment, poor water quality also has a direct bearing on quality of life: it affects swimming, boating and fishing; it causes beach closings and reduces tourism; and it ultimately also reduces property values.

Stormwater runoff is a major factor in nonpoint source pollution. It transports contaminants from our roads, roofs, gardens and fields. We all contribute to some degree.

We, as humans, much prefer to blame "Point Source" pollution, like a factory. Scientific evidence shows that while huge strides have been made in cleaning up point sources of pollution, the effects of nonpoint source pollution now present the major threat to our precious water resources.

Stormwater cannot be treated in the same way as water pollution from discharge pipes. Every street, parking lot, sidewalk, driveway, yard, and garden can potentially contribute to the problem. The issue can only be solved by raising community awareness and educating our citizens about how to identify and correct pollution sources around homes and yards.