Take the Ten Step Program to Clean Water

1. Know your watershed. Seek out information about point sources and non-point sources that may be causing impairments. Use the internet - the entire world's knowledge is at your fingertips!

2. Monitor your watershed. Get personally involved. Join the IOWATER program and begin collecting your own data about the water quality in your watershed

3. Protect your watershed. If you think you've found a problem and you've done your homework, don't be afraid to speak out!

4. Improve your watershed. Join your local watershed group; if necessary start one of your own.

5. Live the change you want to happen. Reduce, replace, or eliminate your use of pesticides and lawn fertilizers; plant rain gardens at the edge of your property to intercept stormwater runoff; use rain barrels to collect and recycle water; install shower and faucet miser fittings; replace your old flush stools with a low-volume models; properly dispose of oil, antifreeze, old lawn and garden and household chemicals.

6. Motivate your community. Get your kids, your neighbors, their kids, the local Scout troop, elementary school, and church groups excited about Clean Water possibilities.

7. Approach state and local officials openly, honestly and often, with your concerns. Many of these people are your friends. Suggest ways to fix the problems you've found. Communicate face-to-face. Give people an opportunity to fix problems, but don't give them too long!

8. Always be skeptical of "spin". State and local employees and industry folks will go to great lengths to try and justify their actions, or lack thereof.

9. Remember that you are not alone! Volunteer your time and money to other groups, local, state, and national, that are trying to achieve Clean Water.

And most importantly,

10. Be empowered by the knowledge that CLEAN WATER BELONGS TO YOU!