Contaminants in Our Waterways and What We're Doing About Them

A Science Pub lecture by Latonya Jackson, PhD, Agency Toxics & Emerging Contaminants Strategic Coordinator at the Department of Environmental Quality.

Feb 17 | 7-9 pm | Doors at 6 pm

Our rivers, lakes, and streams are the lifeblood of our communities, but they are under growing pressure from pollution. Ecotoxicology is the science that studies how contaminants affect fish, wildlife, and humans, helping us see impacts we can’t always spot with the naked eye.

Everyday activities can send pollutants into the water: lawn and fertilizers, pesticides, oil, and metals from roads, chemicals from industries, and even medicines and personal care products washed down our drains. Once there, these substances can harm aquatic life, disrupt ecosystems, and sometimes affect the safety of our water and the fish we eat.

But there is good news! We are not powerless. Scientists and agencies are tracking contaminants, improving wastewater and stormwater treatment, restoring wetlands and streamside vegetation, and tightening rules on what can be released into the environment. Community projects like green streets, trash cleanups, and wetland planting events help keep pollution out of our waterways. You can be part of the solution. In this presentation, Dr. Jackson will share how, together, we can protect clean water for wildlife, our communities, and future generations.

Science Pubs are a casual lecture series located in fun venues across the region, recommended for ages 10 and over.