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Do you know your watershed?  

Rivers and streams do not recognize political boundaries. It is important that the public and local governments work together to protect our water resources for current and future generations. If you live in the Greater Lansing Region, you live in either the Red Cedar River, Looking Glass River, or Grand River urban watershed. You can become involved in the protection of your watershed by following the top ten things we can do to protect our watersheds and visiting our website for more educational information and an events calendar. Download your brochure today!

Did you know that, as a Michigan State University student, faculty or staff member or a visitor to campus, you are an integral part of the Red Cedar River Watershed?  You are, and your actions can help to protect our shared water resources.

You may have noticed labels like the one above affixed to the storm drains on campus.  This is being done to raise awareness about water quality.

Storm drains, or catch basins, are designed to carry rainwater away from developed areas to prevent flooding and are not connected to sanitary sewer systems or treatment plants. Anything that goes into a catch basin eventually ends up in the Red Cedar River.

This type of pollution is known as nonpoint source pollution, which is our nation’s largest remaining water quality problem.  However, by becoming more informed about the link between storm drains and our surface waters, we can all help to protect and restore the quality of our waters.

Here are some things you can do to prevent water pollution:

• Properly dispose of household hazardous waste and recycle used motor oil
• Keep yard waste, trash, and dirt off the street and out of the gutters
• Apply pesticides and fertilizers sparingly, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application
• Wash your car at a car wash facility instead of in the parking lot
• Clean up after domestic animals
• Spread the word about protecting our waterways from polluted runoff

To further increase awareness, MSU launched the MSU-WATER (Watershed Action Through Education and Research) project in 2000.  Led by faculty, staff and students representing numerous colleges, departments and support units at MSU, MSU-WATER integrates research, teaching and outreach activities within the Red Cedar River Watershed.  The project is seeking to:

1. Determine the University’s ecological footprint on the Red Cedar River;
2. Enhance MSU’s reputation in water resources research, teaching and outreach;
3. Develop a comprehensive watershed plan that includes practical management alternatives; and
4. Meet storm water management objectives as required by Phase II of the Clean Water Act

For more information about the MSU-WATER project or Red Cedar River educational activities, please contact Ruth Kline-Robach at the Institute of Water Research at kliner@msu.edu.  Thank you for playing a role in protecting the water in the Red Cedar River!

Clean Water is Important to All of Us!