Any advice and criticism will be greatly appreciated. Does the essay answer the prompt well? How about grammar spelling? Thanks so much in advance!!
Discuss an issue of local concern. Why is this issue important to you? How do you think it should be addressed? (approx. 500 words)
Growing up I loved the water; I think I learned how to swim before I could walk. I used to spend hours pretending I was a mermaid in Pinckney's Chain of Lakes. Summer was my favorite time of the year; being out on the water, summer breeze in my hair, out on the boat with my family. I've witnessed some of the most serene nature and breathtaking sunsets on the Huron River Chain of Lakes. I love everything about the Huron River Watershed; the smell of the water, ice-skating on winter's frozen lakes, the snapping turtles perched on the fallen trees, the sandy beaches, canoeing from Dexter to Ann Arbor; the river has been and will always be a significant part of my life. I want it to protected so it can thrive for many generations to come.
Not only does the Huron River Watershed bring exquisite beauty to South Eastern Michigan but also supplies drinking water for about 150,000 people. Unfortunately, like many of Earth's water systems, development, soil erosion, impaired water bodies, and non-point source pollution threaten the river. Since people are the source of most threats to our water systems we must protect them! Careless human behavior compromises our water quality and ultimately the health of local plant and animal species, including us. The majority of the pollutants found in the Huron River Watershed come from local residents. Runoff water from creeks and storm drains flows into our river, on its route it is polluted with fertilizer, pesticide, pharmaceuticals, oil, automotive fluids, and many other household products. Cleaning the bathroom, washing the car, or flushing medicine are all deemed harmless but in reality these common practices, without precaution, can pose threat to our local water sources. All these pollutants lead to too much phosphorus in the water systems, depriving the water of oxygen, and suffocating the plants and animals that live there.
People are the main source of pollutants found in the water; this means that everyone can do something to help clean up our beloved water source. I think the most important solution to this problem is awareness. Education is the best defense for cleaner water; more education means more people to fight for the protection of our water. Leading by example and getting the community involved is the best way to preserve our wonderful Huron River Watershed. I believe that most people would not choose a bright green lawn over clean drinking water. Alert neighbors to reduce, or better yet eliminate, the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides on their lawn could create a positive impact in quality of our water. Urge friends and family to switch to environmentally friendly cleaning products and detergents; low to no phosphorus content. Wash the car at designated car washes and dispose of oil and other fluids properly. Teaching somebody else about the harmful effects of common pollutants have on our water source is the best way to protect them for the future.
The Huron River Watershed has been an important aspect of my life; spending time on the water has created lasting memories and I am grateful to live near such an amazing water source. I hope that the children of the future will be able to benefit from the Huron River Watershed as I have. Education and community involvement is the only chance we have to fight for clean water and keep the Huron River a thriving water system. Working together as a community and spreading the word about how to live greener so we can sustain our important fresh water sources.
Discuss an issue of local concern. Why is this issue important to you? How do you think it should be addressed? (approx. 500 words)
Growing up I loved the water; I think I learned how to swim before I could walk. I used to spend hours pretending I was a mermaid in Pinckney's Chain of Lakes. Summer was my favorite time of the year; being out on the water, summer breeze in my hair, out on the boat with my family. I've witnessed some of the most serene nature and breathtaking sunsets on the Huron River Chain of Lakes. I love everything about the Huron River Watershed; the smell of the water, ice-skating on winter's frozen lakes, the snapping turtles perched on the fallen trees, the sandy beaches, canoeing from Dexter to Ann Arbor; the river has been and will always be a significant part of my life. I want it to protected so it can thrive for many generations to come.
Not only does the Huron River Watershed bring exquisite beauty to South Eastern Michigan but also supplies drinking water for about 150,000 people. Unfortunately, like many of Earth's water systems, development, soil erosion, impaired water bodies, and non-point source pollution threaten the river. Since people are the source of most threats to our water systems we must protect them! Careless human behavior compromises our water quality and ultimately the health of local plant and animal species, including us. The majority of the pollutants found in the Huron River Watershed come from local residents. Runoff water from creeks and storm drains flows into our river, on its route it is polluted with fertilizer, pesticide, pharmaceuticals, oil, automotive fluids, and many other household products. Cleaning the bathroom, washing the car, or flushing medicine are all deemed harmless but in reality these common practices, without precaution, can pose threat to our local water sources. All these pollutants lead to too much phosphorus in the water systems, depriving the water of oxygen, and suffocating the plants and animals that live there.
People are the main source of pollutants found in the water; this means that everyone can do something to help clean up our beloved water source. I think the most important solution to this problem is awareness. Education is the best defense for cleaner water; more education means more people to fight for the protection of our water. Leading by example and getting the community involved is the best way to preserve our wonderful Huron River Watershed. I believe that most people would not choose a bright green lawn over clean drinking water. Alert neighbors to reduce, or better yet eliminate, the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides on their lawn could create a positive impact in quality of our water. Urge friends and family to switch to environmentally friendly cleaning products and detergents; low to no phosphorus content. Wash the car at designated car washes and dispose of oil and other fluids properly. Teaching somebody else about the harmful effects of common pollutants have on our water source is the best way to protect them for the future.
The Huron River Watershed has been an important aspect of my life; spending time on the water has created lasting memories and I am grateful to live near such an amazing water source. I hope that the children of the future will be able to benefit from the Huron River Watershed as I have. Education and community involvement is the only chance we have to fight for clean water and keep the Huron River a thriving water system. Working together as a community and spreading the word about how to live greener so we can sustain our important fresh water sources.
