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Recreate Responsibly This
Holiday Weekend
Protect Arizona’s Waterways
As Memorial Day weekend approaches, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), in partnership with Leave No Trace, is launching a new statewide public education campaign – Arizona Water Keepers – to promote responsible recreation and protect Arizona’s water quality.
Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of Arizona’s summer recreation season – a time when large crowds, heavy foot traffic, and improper waste disposal can threaten water quality at some of the state’s most beloved outdoor destinations.
“The impact of one weekend can linger all summer if we’re not careful,” said ADEQ Water Quality Division Director Trevor Baggiore. “Trash and human or pet waste that isn’t properly handled can introduce harmful bacteria like E. coli into the water.
The good news is there's a simple solution everyone can be a part of it.
You can help by being prepared. ADEQ’s Arizona Water Keepers campaign encourages the public to follow four easy steps:
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Get Ready – Bring a trash bag, check for algal blooms, and come prepared with sun protection and clean drinking water.
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Have a Poop Plan – Use restrooms or human waste bags and always pack out pet waste. Waste left behind spreads bacteria like E. coli that pollute water.
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Keep it Clean, Keep it Clear – Don’t wash in the water and avoid using soaps or lotions that harm aquatic life.
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Slow Erosion, Stay on Trail – Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation and reduce erosion into streams.
By following these simple steps, you can DO-DO your part. (Yes, that is an intended pun for your enjoyment!) and help
Keep our Desert & Community Livable and Thriving.
Visit azdeq.gov/waterkeeper for more information.
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