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Runoff from urban areas collects debris littering the streets and take it to
the receiving stream or water body. Urban runoff worsens the water quality
in rivers and lakes by increasing the concentrations of such substances as
nutrients (phosphorus, nitrogen), sediments, animal wastes, and petroleum
products. In addition, metals tend to attach themselves to dirt and
sediment, and are present in the stream beds and banks of many urban
streams. Concentrations of toxic metals in stream sediments could be reduced
if
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Trash is properly disposed of or recycled
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Major streets and parking lots are routinely cleaned
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Stormwater is caught and kept in ponds to trap metal-laden sediments
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Source: USGS Water-Resources Investigations Report
98-4086 |
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Runoff from agriculture and animal husbandry operations such as dairies and
chicken farms can cause erosion and pollute surface water with nutrients,
sediments, bacteria, and pesticides. These generally do their worst damage
in lakes, slowly moving rivers and canals, and sometimes receiving
estuaries.
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Source: South Florida Water Management District
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