CLEAN WATER STARTS WITH YOU AND ME!

There are things we can all do to prevent stormwater pollution. Many of us didn't know these things could help until someone we trusted explained why. Check out the many ways that you can have a positive affect on our neighborhood creeks and streams.

Pet Waste

Unlike human waste, pet waste goes into our lakes, rivers and streams untreated.  Even if you don't live near the water, pet waste can be picked up by stormwater and transported through storm drains.

Building A Buffer

A riparian or forested buffer is an area along a shoreline, wetland, or stream where plants are allowed to grow and development may be restricted or prohibited. The primary function of riparian buffers is to physically protect a stream, lake, or wetland by allowing plants to absorb and stop pollution from entering the water. 

Proper Use of Fertilizer

Plants need nutrients, just like humans need vitamins. However, you can have too much of a good thing. Runoff from excessive lawn irrigation, and from heavy rains discharges unused fertilizer directly into our waterways. High nutrient levels often result in algal blooms, which tend to out-compete plants.

Disposing of Hazardous Materials

We use hazardous materials almost every day.  They are found in products used for housework, gardening, home improvement, or car maintenance. Danger, warning, and caution signs are all indicators of toxic substances.  They can be found in everything from oven cleaner and floor wax to motor oil and paint supplies.

Low Impact Development (LID)

LID is exactly what it sounds like - development that minimizes its impact on the environment. By working with the landscape, developers minimize the amount of pollution that leaves the site. Rain gardens, rain barrels or cisterns are popular forms of LID.

Vehicle Maintenance

Maintaining and cleaning your vehicle at home is an excellent way to reduce maintenance costs and ensure your vehicle is getting reliable service.  However, if all lubricants and internal fluids are not properly contained and disposed of, they could easily contaminate our waters.

Storm Drain Dumping

Many people don't realize stormwater flows untreated into our streams and rivers.  Many of these waterways eventually find their way into our drinking water supply.  It only takes a small amount of material to have a devastating effect on our watershed.

Rain Gardens

Rain gardens are gardens designed to soak up rain water. A shallow depression collects a few inches of water and allows it to be absorbed into the ground or by plants instead of flowing into nearby streams and lakes. Plants and soil trap, absorb and filter pollutants found in stormwater runoff including fertilizers, pesticides, oil, grease and metals.