Puget Sound is one of those iconic symbols of the Pacific Northwest. It provides the 4 million people living in its watershed everything from food to entertainment. This awe-inspiring body of water is at risk of losing much of its natural beauty and value. However, UW students can help reverse this degradation and set an example for others living near threatened ecosystems.

So, who is responsible for the problems of Puget Sound?

Many assume large and dirty companies are the main culprits. How can industries that pump out thousands of pounds of pollutants each year not be culpable? While they undoubtedly add to the problem, the Department of Ecology found a more surprising answer.

A 2008 report found that “the primary sources of toxics to Puget Sound are the everyday activities of people.” Fourteen of 17 toxic chemicals that entered local waterways came from residential sources. These include heavy metals, such as arsenic and lead, to organic contaminants, such as PCBs and dioxins.

These toxic compounds make it from our homes to waterways via storm water runoff. The next time you walk outside, take a look at the area around you. Is there trash or waste littering the ground? Did someone forget to pick up after their dog? The next time it rains, much of this will make it to Puget Sound.

The Department of Ecology report found that a significant portion of the Puget Sound water basin consists of residential land whose runoff had higher concentrations of toxic chemicals. There is good evidence that this toxic runoff negatively impacts the health of the Sound. In 2007, the governor’s office released a “State of the Sound” report, encompassing much of the scientific research on Puget Sound.

Overall, water quality and wildlife health are low and show signs of degrading. Salmon species and orca show some of the strongest declines, but nearly all of the native wildlife has been affected.

These impacts also harm local economic interests. Concerns about marine toxic contamination hurts the Sound’s $147 million-a-year fish and shellfish industries. Degradation of shoreline wildlife threatens some of the $9.5 billion of tourism that occurs each year.

Thankfully, there is much we can do to reverse this decline.

Leaky and poorly maintained cars are a source of oil or heavy metal contamination. Cleaning your car at a commercial car wash ensures that the wastewater is disposed of appropriately. Compost, rather than chemical fertilizers, is a better alternative for urban gardens. Picking up pet waste prevents it from washing into the Sound. Most importantly, make sure not to dispose of anything in the storm drains marked “Dump no waste — drains to lake” around campus.

Without significant effort from all of the people living within the area, Puget Sound may become irreparably harmed. However, simple acts like picking up litter around campus can help. Puget Sound can be saved, and UW students can lead the way.

Reach columnist Mike Noon at opinion@dailyuw.com.