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.