See this pipe? The water coming out of it
is called urban storm water runoff. As this
water washes over lawns and gardens, it picks
up pesticides along the way. The problem is
when this contaminated water ends up in the
Lower Chippewa River. According to the Wisconsin
DNR A pesticide is any substance used to control
or repel a pest or to prevent the damage that
pests may cause.When pesticides are applied
to lawns and gardens, they can be washed away
by rainfall. Application of pesticides right
before it rains increases the contamination
of runoff that flows into nearby rivers and
streams via drainage pipes.Some contaminated
water travels to storm water detention facilities
where contaminates have time to settle out
and are removed from the water supply. However,
most older neighborhoods do not have these
facilities, and the storm water flows directly
into a drainage pipe which empties directly
into local rivers, lakes, and streams. Pesticides
found in urban storm water runoff do not pass
through the wastewater treatment plant, but
go into the river untreated. Pesticides applied
to lawns wash off from rainfall and flow into
storm sewers. Some water goes to stormwater
detention facilities, but most of the water
flows into drainage pipes that empty directly
into the Chippewa River. Broad-spectrum pesticides
are harmful to many different organisms. Even
small amounts of the herbicide glyphosate
can kill aquatic animals and plants. Glyphosate
is also dangerous to land-inhibiting plants,
animals, and soil microorganisms Without these
species, the balanced ecosystem and biodiversity
of Eau Claire and the Chippewa River can be
damaged. Pesticides have both short and long
term health effects. Human exposure to glyphosate
during pregnancy can result in the degradation
of umbilical, placental, and embryonic cells.Environmental
hazards listed on the label are to be followed
carefully whenever a pesticide is used. Treat
only for specific pests instead of using a
broad spectrum pesticide that kills everything.
The best way to prevent pesticide pollution
is to avoid using pesticides altogether.There
are many ways to minimize pesticide contamination
in urban storm water runoff that can be implemented
in your own lawn and garden.Build a rain garden
to help filter out harmful chemicals in storm
water runoff. Redirect roof downspouts to
grassy areas, instead of paved surfaces, to
increase absorption into the soil and prevent
runoff.Handpick weeds to eliminate pesticides
on your lawn.Put mulch around trees and shrubs
to prevent weeds from growing.Use native plant
varieties. These plants are usually more hardy,
resist disease and infestation, and use less
water.Ladybug and praying-mantis larvae eat
aphids, so introducing these bugs can help
keep the aphids away. These helpful insects
are available at many gardening stores. It
is possible to have a lush and healthy lawn
and garden without the use of pesticides!
