A lake is a large, enclosed body of water surrounded by land. Unlike rivers, lakes don’t move much—they collect water from rain, snow, groundwater, and nearby streams or rivers. Some are natural, while others are human-made, like reservoirs used to store drinking water.

Pollution doesn't always come from big factories. It often starts right in neighborhoods, streets, and yards and gets carried into lakes by stormwater.

Common sources include:

🚬 Litter like cigarette butts, plastic wrappers, and food containers

🚗 Oil and fluids from vehicles

🧴 Fertilizers and pesticides from lawns and gardens

🐾 Pet waste left on the ground

🌿 Grass clippings and leaves blown into gutters

The pollution enters storm drains and ends up in lakes - untreated.

T.A.R.P. might be all about tech, but protecting lakes starts with simple actions at home and in your neighborhood:

🧹 Keep litter out of the streets—especially near drains.

🌱 Use less fertilizer on lawns and gardens.

🐕 Pick up pet waste every time—rain can carry it into waterways.

🍂 Rake and compost leaves instead of letting them pile up on the curb.

🧽 Use car washes where water gets treated—not the driveway.