1. Lesson 4 Student Activity Solving Water Quality Concerns: Best Management Practices (BMPs) Answer Key for Photos and Line Drawings Student Directions: 1) Describe one water quality problem. 2) Draw one Best Management Practice (BMP) in the picture and describe how that will prevent or reduce water pollution.
These line drawings are from the Wisconsin Water Resources Clip Art Collection developed by the Environmental Resources Center, University of Wisconsin-Extension in cooperation with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources under funding from the Wisconsin Priority Watershed Program, the Basin Education Program and the Wisconsin Lakes Partnership. Contributing artists: Lynne Bergschultz, Joe Heller, Chris Pike, Jerry Scott, and Carol Watkins. The CD may be ordered for $35 from UW-Extension Publications, 333 W. Miflin ST., Madison, WI or Tel: These illustrations may be used without permission for educational, non-profit purposes. For more information, contact the Environmental Resources Center at

2. BMPs – Answer Key Construction BMP: Problem: The pile of topsoil is
being carried by
storm water runoff into
the storm drain.
BMP:
The pile of topsoil
is contained to
prevent it from being
washed away and
carried by storm water
runoff into the storm
drain.

3. Parking Lots
Problem:
When it rains, the parking lot
runoff flows directly into a
storm drain, carrying
pollutants with it (oil, gas, trash).
BMP:
The runoff goes into a settling pond where it can recharge groundwater and allow time for pollutants to settle to the bottom. Leaving parking lots unpaved, using pervious asphalt, and adding landscaping to parking lots are more good ways to increase groundwater infiltration and prevent polluted runoff from reaching streams and lakes.

4. Shoreline Development
Problem:
When it rains, storm water runoff carries lawn fertilizers and pesticides directly into lakes. Unvegetated shorelines are also more easily eroded, adding sediment to the lake and burying aquatic organisms.
BMP:
Maintain a vegetation buffer along shorelines to filter out contaminants. The roots of native shrubs and trees hold the soil in place. Grasses and other plants slow runoff allowing time for contaminants to settle out.

5. Animal Feedlot
Problem:
Animals wastes from feedlots
carries bacteria, excess nutrients, sediment, and other
contaminants into nearby streams.
BMP:
Keep livestock away from
streams and allow shrubs
and trees to grow along
streambanks so they can
filter out pollutants and
protect water quality.