Get Involved - Water

Missouri is blessed with an abundance of water. Our way of life is intertwined with water. We depend on water for drinking, food production, recreation, healthy ecosystems and more. We swim, fish, play and celebrate in and around water. Water pollution can impact us all. You can take simple steps while at home, traveling on roads and trails, and while enjoying our waterways to protect our state’s water resources. You also can make your voice heard by attending public meetings and hearings, and commenting on public notices about protecting our water resources, flood mitigation, and in all areas related to water resources. We invite you to help us make a difference.

Ways You Can Help Protect Missouri's Water

• Do not put anything down a storm drain that could harm your local stream, river or lake.
• Avoid farming or building right next to the edge of a stream.
• Plant a buffer zone of vegetation along the stream to slow down stormwater runoff and allow it to soak into the ground before it reaches the stream.
• Have your soil tested and learn responsible lawn care when using fertilizer, pesticides and herbicides.
• Plant native species in your yard to enhance beauty, create habitat for wildlife, and reduce the need for water, fertilizers and pesticides.
• Construct a rain garden in your backyard.
• Support developers who include rain gardens, stormwater retention basins and green space in their development plans.
• Incorporate erosion control measures, such as silt fences, around construction sites.
• Keep your septic tank properly maintained.
• Support ways to build or upgrade your local wastewater treatment plants. Facilities that are overloaded or malfunctioning can discharge bacteria and toxins into nearby waters.