How can you prevent toxic runoff from landscape activities entering water bodies?

• A. Practice soil health, use slow-release fertilizers, implement buffer zones and proper drainage, and minimize chemical use.
• B. Increase runoff by overwatering.
• C. Use high-risk pesticides near water bodies without buffers.
• D. Drain soil completely to prevent runoff.

Answer: (A)

Preventing toxic runoff from landscape activities relies on healthy soil and reducing the movement of nutrients and chemicals toward waterways. Healthy soil with good structure and organic matter absorbs water better, slows erosion, and filters out some nutrients and contaminants before they run off. Using slow-release fertilizers minimizes the amount of nutrient that can be washed away during rain, reducing the risk of water contamination. Establishing buffer zones along water bodies with vegetation acts as a natural filter, trapping sediments and absorbing nutrients or pesticides before they reach the water. Proper drainage design helps water move in controlled ways, preventing pooling and excessive runoff from hard surfaces. Minimizing chemical use and choosing safer products further lowers the potential toxins entering waterways. Together, these practices create a landscape that manages water more effectively and protects aquatic ecosystems.