Lubbock Weather
Partly Cloudy 91°F

The Effects of Pollution



Excess nutrients are from materials like fertilizers, yard clippings, pet wastes, and food litter. Excess nutrients can cause algae blooms. After the bloom, the algae dies off and sinks to the bottom of the water body. Algae then decompose in a process that removes oxygen from the water. Fish and other aquatic organisms can't exist in water with low dissolved oxygen levels. 

Bacteria and other pathogens come from sanitary sewer overflows, pet waste, and other inappropriately dumped infectious material. Bacteria and pathogens can wash into swimming areas and create health hazards, often making beach closures necessary. Additionally, they can cause illness in birds and fish which can in turn affect people who come into contact with the wildlife. 

Debris such as plastic bags, six-pack rings, bottles, and cigarette butts when washed into playa lakes can choke, suffocate, or disable aquatic life like ducks, fish, turtles, and birds. Not to mention it creates unsightly parks and recreation areas. No one wants their children to play next to a dirty, trash-filled playa lake! 


Polluted stormwater often affects drinking water sources. This, in turn, can affect human health and increase drinking water treatment costs. Water is a valuable resource in West Texas that we must protect.  Do your part by helping to prevent pollution of stormwater runoff.

Water running into a storm drain
Green algal bloom in playa lake caused a fish kill
Floating trash in a pond
Stormwater runoff with an oil sheen in the street