Industry is not the major cause of water pollution.

Though historically a major contributor to water pollution, industry has cleaned up its act. In a 2004 Illinois Environmental Protection Agency report on surface water quality, only three of the 176 watershed locations with known sources of impairment were industrial point sources.

What is the major cause of water pollution? Combined sewer overflows, stormwater runoff (everything draining from our streets, parking lots, and yards), and changes to a river’s natural flow and shape are all big contributors.

In other words, it is the combined impact of decisions made by everyday people that threaten the river’s health.