People have a direct impact on the quality of water in local rivers, lakes, streams and other basins. Parks and green spaces should ideally have water that is clean enough for recreational activities and other uses. There are several ways that individuals can help improve the quality of water in protected areas ranging from neighborhoods parks to national parks. First of all, trash should always be disposed of correctly and never thrown directly into the water. Plastic, rubber and other similar materials do not degrade over time, and they simply contaminate water. It’s also not advisable to throw biodegradable waste into bodies of water that may be connected to the ocean.

Some waste may indirectly leak into the ground and make their way into drinking water supplies. For example, pet droppings may contain a lot of bacteria and parasites that cause diseases in humans and other animals. Such waste could get washed into running bodies of water by rain. Additionally, there is the possibility of dog waste being absorbed by soil that contains underground sources of water. It’s important for pet owners to realize the dynamic cycle of a local ecosystem in which water and other resources continuously move around through the environment.

People who do a lot of recreational boating and other outdoor activities also have the power to impact the quality of water on a local scale. It’s important to ensure that fuel and other chemicals do not leak out of the mechanical components of a motorized boat. Additionally, wastes and trash should be kept aboard and then disposed of appropriately after docking. When washing marine vessels, certain soaps, and other harsh cleaning agents should be avoided or used in small amounts. Such liquids can easily spill into a body of water that’s supposed to be pristine for all to enjoy.