Suburbs and ranchettes sprouting across the Western
landscape often add pollution to already burdened watersheds.
Residential pollution comes from oil, pesticides, and fertilizers
washed off driveways and yards. The University of Nevada
Cooperative Extension in Reno has launched an effort to reduce
nonpoint pollution of the Truckee River by educating residents
about sources of pollution and ways to conserve water. A 64-page,
graphic-packed booklet, Protecting Our Water Resources, provides
detailed explanations of how property owners can help maintain good
water quality through careful use of pesticides and fertilizers,
landscaping to control erosion, maintaining septic systems, and
protecting wetlands. A special section addresses one- to 10-acre
ranchettes. “We’re all part of the problem,” says author John
Cobourn, “and can all be part of the solution.”
Free copies of Protecting Our Water Resources
can be obtained from the University of Nevada Cooperative
Extension, Box 8208, Incline Village, NY 89452
(702/784-4848).
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline From driveways to watersheds.
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