Galveston Bay Foundation

Our bay views are one of our favorite amenities in this City. The quality of the water that makes up that view is as important to us as it is to our residents. That’s why we’ve been working behind the scenes with the Galveston Bay Foundation to come up with ways to increase public education and awareness on ways that we can improve the water quality of Galveston Bay!

Importance of Clean Water

Clean water is important to the life by the bay that we all love. Help us back the bay, it takes all of us to make it happen. In recent years sources of water pollution like industrial wastes from factories have been greatly reduced. Now, more than 60% of water pollution comes from things like cars leaking oil, fertilizers from lawns and gardens, and failing septic tanks. All these sources add up to a big pollution problem. But each of us can do small things to help clean up our water too—and that adds up to a pollution solution!

Storm Drains Lead Straight To The Ocean

Did you know that 1 quart of used motor oil dumped into a storm drain can pollute 250,000 gallons of ocean water? That means that an act that takes you 2 seconds can pollute enough ocean water to fill up 5,000 bath tubs. Here’s a few things to keep in mind to protect our Bay:

• Everything that runs off into the storm drains on the street will end up in the ocean.
• This means soaps, fertilizers, oil from a leak on your driveway, pet waste that is not picked up before a good rain, trash - all of it has the potential to end up in the storm drains.
• Use drip pans when changing your oil, use biodegradable soap when washing the car, compost yard trimmings, use fertilizers with care and only use the amount the yard needs, pick up pet waste daily, and just be mindful!

While industry surrounds us, the majority of water pollution comes from small sources — especially at the household level. So this summer, keep the bay in mind while you’re outdoors enjoying the weather!