Click on the The Sodfather and watch a short video and learn how to properly care for your lawn and avoid polluting our local waterways. Water pollution is caused by polluted runoff, also called stormwater pollution. This runoff comes from our streets, lawns, and rooftops. It carries dirt, oil, fertilizer, pet waste, and many other pollutants directly to our streams, lakes, and rivers. Help us protect the water quality in the Great Lakes. Our waterways provide drinking water, recreation, and fish and wildlife habitat. These uses are threatened by the harmful effects of stormwater pollution.