Tips for Avoiding Storm Water Pollution

Follow these tips to help us avoid storm water pollution:

• Buy products with less packaging whenever possible
• Check for leaky faucets and turn off the water when possible to conserve water
• Clean up after your pet, especially before it rains
• Contain curbside trash so it doesn't leak, fall over or blow around
• Dispose of unused medication in the trash to be sent to the landfill
• Don’t cut the grass too short; adjust the lawnmower to the proper height to reduce runoff from lawns
• Don’t dump anything except water into storm drains.
• Don’t over water plants and lawn. Make sure water doesn't wash over streets and sidewalks
• Don’t overuse fertilizers and pesticides
• Don’t pour any of the products listed above down the sink or flush them down the toilet.
• Don’t pour household products such as cleansers, beauty products, used motor oil and other auto fluids, paint, lawn care, or household chemicals on the ground or in storm drains
• Don't litter
• Plant native vegetation and or plants that require little or no fertilizer
• Plant trees, shrubs, and ground covers that filter pollutants and reduce storm water runoff
• Preserve established trees in the yard and neighborhood
• Read and follow directions on the use of household chemicals and disposal of containers
• Recycle used motor oil
• Recycle yard debris or use it to make compost rather than raking it into streets where it can wash into storm sewers
• Repair vehicle or equipment leaks
• Sweep driveways and patios clean instead of hosing them down
• Take paint, chemicals, cleaners, fuels, pesticides, and hazardous waste to a household hazardous waste facility
• Use nontoxic alternatives to home cleaning chemicals
• When washing the car, park it on the grass instead of in the driveway or go use a covered car wash station.