The phrase "nearby waterways" means bodies of water that are close by or nearby. These can include rivers, lakes, streams, or any other natural or man-made water bodies that are relatively close to a specific location. Full definition
By prohibiting the use of synthetic agricultural chemicals, certified organic farming reduces its impact on the surrounding environment by reducing run - off into nearby waterways. (austorganic.com)
And conventional logging roads can wash fuel and sediment into nearby waterways and introduce farming, mining and illegal hunting. (discovermagazine.com)