We're calling it Watershed Wednesday's at 40/29! Over the next 8 weeks I will feature an article that deals with the water resources we consume and influence across our area. I'm excited to partner with the Illinois River Watershed Project, and we hope you gain some knowledge in the Watershed Wednesday Classroom.

Did you realize that the water from your tap and in nearby lakes or streams is part of a much larger water system? While not everyone lives next to a pond or stream, we all live in a watershed — the land area that drains to a specific surface water body, such as a pond, lake, wetland or river. The landscape’s hills and valleys define the watershed, or "catchment" area.

Stormwater runoff occurs when precipitation from rain and snowmelt flows over the ground, picking up potential pollutants including soil, nutrients, bacteria or chemicals. Common activities like over-fertilizing your lawn or driving a vehicle that leaks oil can affect water quality, even when you do these things far from any water bodies. By paying careful attention to how you manage activities at home and in your community, you can protect your watershed and the regional water resources we all share.

For more information, and the chance to win prizes each week, visit www.irwp.org