Protecting our watersheds

We all live downstream

Watersheds cross city, county and state boundaries, which means communities within them share responsibility for issues like flooding and pollution. What we do upstream can affect our neighbors downstream.

Watersheds support a wide variety of plants and wildlife and provide outdoor recreation opportunities for residents. Protecting the health of our watersheds preserves and enhances the quality of life for Kansas City residents and those living downstream.

Image source: Heartland Conservation Alliance

A bend in the Blue River on a sunny day.
A person getting a pet waste bag off a leash dispenser.

Everyday habits

Water quality affects us all, and we can all make a difference. Learn the simple tips everyone can do to make our watersheds healthier.

A driveway with various tools and puddles of motor oil.

Home habits

When it rains, water washes everyday pollutants—like motor oil, pool chemicals, paint, and yard waste—off our properties and into storm drains. The good news? Small actions at home can make a big difference in protecting our waterways.

A watershed near a storm drain outlet with thick white foam on top.

Prevent pollutants

Any release of a liquid or solid material into a storm drain system is called illicit discharge. Learn how to spot and report illicit discharge.