Helpful Tips

Here are some helpful tips as to what you can do to help keep our water clean:

Agriculture & Lawn Care

  • Choose plants, trees and other landscaping elements that will do well in your area with little watering.
  • Dispose of pesticides, containers and tanks according to directions on containers.
  • Keep leaves, grass clippings and other debris away from storm drains, gutters and waterways. These outlets drain directly into lakes, streams and rivers and can contribute to harmful algae blooms and fish kills.
  • Manage animal waste to minimize contamination of surface water and ground water, and obey local animal waste laws.
  • Run your mower with the vent closed. Clippings left on the lawn can dramatically reduce the need for additional nitrogen (from fertilizers).
  • Start a compost pile of leaves and grass clippings to serve as a naturally rich fertilizer and mulch. Otherwise, bag leaves and grass and sit out for pick-up.
  • Whenever possible, protect drinking water by using less pesticides and fertilizers.

Automotive Care

  • Consider taking your car to a car wash or washing it on the grass, where the ground can absorb water and pollutants can be filtered.
  • Dispose of oil, antifreeze, paints and other household chemicals properly and according to instructions on containers.
  • Fix any car leaks to avoid contaminating our watershed with oil. One quart of motor oil can contaminate up to 2 million gallons of water.
  • If you spill an engine degreaser, oil, brake fluid, tire cleaner or anti-freeze, do not hose it off. It will then eventually reach local streams and lakes. Instead, sprinkle sawdust, cornmeal, cat litter or a commercial absorbent over the spill. Let soak and sweep up.

Conservation & Prevention

  • Ask carpet cleaners, painters and contractors how they keep pollutants from entering the groundwater system.
  • Before draining swimming pool, let water stand until it no longer contains chlorine and other pool cleaners.
  • Clean and maintain boats away from water. Use a drop cloth and vacuum paint chips and dust.
  • Fuel up cars and boats carefully.
  • Save hundreds of gallons of water with ease use by putting a spray nozzle on your hose and turning off the hose between rinses.