After the Rain:
Urban Runoff

Introduction

Daughter

Mom, why is the river so dirty?

Mother

Well, it’s been raining, honey, and the rain washes all kinds of things into the river. We call it pollution.

Daughter

Pollution? What’s pollution?

Mother

Oh, all kinds of things that wash off the land and our streets. Things like oil and chemicals, trash, even dirt.

Daughter

Even dirt?

Mother

Yes, even dirt.

The bad thing about pollution is it can kill fish and insects and plants that live in the river. Sometimes it even ruins it so we can’t swim in it or drink it.

Daughter

Oh. Can we stop the pollution?

Mother

Well, we can all start by making changes in our own lives and by helping our friends learn how they can protect our water. We all cause pollution, so we all have to work together to stop it.

Husband

How was your day today?

Wife

Oh, pretty good. Hey, before I forget, we need to take the car into the mechanic. It’s leaking oil on the driveway.

Husband

Is it bad, or can it wait?

Wife

Well, it’s not horrible, but I would like to get it fixed before the leak gets worse.

Husband

If it’s not one thing, it’s another...

Wife

Hey, here’s the news. I heard they were doing a special report on our drinking water.

News Anchor #1

Good evening everyone. Concerns over the safety of our drinking water are mounting across the nation. America’s growing population—and the pollution we create—are taking their toll on our fresh water supplies.

News Anchor #2

This evening we bring you a series of reports that explore the importance of water, the pressures our cities are placing on this precious resource, and the ways we can protect our local drinking water.

Continue

Back to top