YOU CAN HELP STOP WATER POLLUTION EVERY DAY
You may not realize it but there are things you can do around your home and in your garden that will help to stop pollution from entering our streams and rivers.
AROUND YOUR HOME
Stormwater run-off from roofs, paved surfaces and bare soil may collect and carry pollutants such as sediment, pet waste, pesticides, fertilizer, automotive products (oil, grease, antifreeze and gasoline), yard waste and litter. Storm drains and storm sewers transport this untreated run-off directly to streams, rivers and lakes. Some tips to reduce the effects of storm water are:
- Keep cars maintained to reduce oil, brake fluid, antifreeze and other leaks.
- Wash your car on a graveled surface or on the lawn where the grass will benefit from the water and use any nutrients
- Sweep grass cuttings and yard waste back into the grass rather than hosing it into the storm drain.
- Direct gutter downspouts away from paved surfaces. Use a rain barrel to get an additional benefit by collecting water for periods of drought.
LANDSCAPING TIPS
Sediment, pesticides and fertilizers are major causes of pollution in our waterways. They can poison aquatic animals, destroy habitat, and reduce the amount of oxygen available to fish, other aquatic animals and plants. Some guidelines for reducing pollution associated with landscaping are:
- To reduce pesticide, fertilizer and watering needs, plant native species which are naturally adapted to regional growing conditions.
- Organic fertilizers break down slowly as they improve the make-up of garden soils.
- Plant grass in bare areas and use straw or mulch in gardens to reduce sediment runoff.
- Use organic controls instead of pesticides. Scattered borax and insecticidal soap washes discourage many pests. You may also be able to remove pests by hand.
- If you must use pesticides, follow label directions carefully and only do spot treatments where needed. Dont apply pesticides on windy days or before rain is predicted.
- When fertilizer is improperly applied, nutrient run-off gets in streams, rivers and lakes; it may cause algae blooms and harm aquatic life.
- Leave grass clippings in the yard after mowing to provide natural mulch and reduce the need for fertilizer and watering.
- Protect streams, rivers and lakes by planting a waterside buffer of native woodland plants and trees. Buffers use nutrients and filter sediment and other pollutants before they enter the water.