STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Mississippi’s lakes, rivers and streams are some of the best places to cool off, relax and connect with nature. As the days get warmer and more people head to the water, it’s worth remembering that even fun outdoor activities can affect water quality.

Luckily, protecting our waterways doesn’t require big changes. Just a few simple steps can go a long way toward keeping these special places clean and safe for people, wildlife and the communities that depend on them.

One common concern is bacteria in the water, especially where lots of people swim or wade. Bacteria can come from many sources, including people, pets or wildlife, but it becomes a bigger problem after heavy rain. Runoff can carry bacteria from yards, roads and pastures straight into creeks and lakes. If you see signs of a sewage or septic overflow, report it to local authorities.

Also keep an eye out for cows or other livestock standing in the water upstream, and avoid swimming in those areas. When possible, skip swimming right after storms.

Erosion is another common issue that occurs when soil gets washed into the water. Walking off-trail, cutting new paths to the water or powering boats too fast near the shore can all wear away the banks and stir up sediment. High sediment loads leading to muddy waters can harm fish, cover important habitat and carry other pollution. To help, always use marked access points, stay on trails and keep your boat at a no-wake speed near shorelines.

Litter is a challenge we can all tackle. Bottles, wrappers, fishing line and other trash not only impact tourism opportunities -- they can harm wildlife and carry bacteria into the water. It’s easy to make a difference: pack out what you pack in, use trash bins when available and consider organizing or joining a local stream or lake cleanup.

None of these steps are hard, but they do require all of us to be more mindful about making smart choices to protect the places we love. Recreation and conservation don’t have to be in conflict. In fact, the more we enjoy Mississippi’s waters, the more reason we have to take care of them.

Programs like Mississippi Water Stewards, offered by the MSU Extension Service, give volunteers the tools and training to monitor water quality and raise awareness in their communities. It’s a great way to learn more and give back.

So the next time you grab your paddle or head to the water, take a moment to think about how you can leave it better than you found it. Our rivers and lakes will thank you.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first column of a relaunched Extension Outdoors monthly series. Each column will be released mid-month. Mark Hill is an Extension associate with the Forest and Wildlife Research Center at Mississippi State University.