Myrtle Point is concerned about pollution in the Coquille River, since that’s where the city gets its drinking water. It wants people to help cut back on chemicals and crud draining into the stream.

The rest of us who live in the lower Coquille, Coos Bay and Tenmile watersheds should pay attention. No matter where a person lives on the South Coast, we’re intrinsically connected to bays, creeks, rivers and beaches.

Thanks to the Clean Water Act, we’re far beyond the decades when big businesses and cities dumped untreated wastes into bays and rivers. The prolific producers these days are deer and raccoons, cows, clunkers and us.

In Lakeside, state officials have had a health advisory in effect since Sept. 18, warning people about toxic algae in the water that can make pets and people sick if they swim in it or drink it. In town, Pony Creek is plagued with bacteria fed largely by pet and wildlife wastes.

Individuals can help. Gardeners could learn to use fertilizers and garden sprays more effectively. There’s permeable asphalt these days to reduce runoff, and some communities are starting to landscape with green areas to filter street and parking lot runoff.

All rain goes downhill, and with more paved and developed areas, it flows even faster. There’s little chance for the soil to filter out motor oil, fertilizers, pesticides and other gunk that scoots down storm drains to the bay. Failing septic systems contribute, too.

Regulation helps, but Coos Watershed Association Director Jon Souder says educating private citizens will go a long way toward cutting future pollution. That’s Myrtle Point’s goal, but really it should be every community's aim.