Residents Can Help Prevent Stormwater Pollution

Spring is a good time to talk about ways to prevent stormwater pollution. Stormwater runoff from lands modified by human activities can harm surface water and, in turn, cause or contribute to poor water quality. The most common source of water pollution is runoff from lawns, roads, and agricultural land.

Residents and property owners can help minimize pollution. The Environmental Protection Agency has identified several household best practices for clean water:

Compost or mulch yard waste. Do not sweep into streets or storm drains.
Pick up and properly dispose of pet waste.
Use a commercial car wash.
Check vehicles, boats and other machinery for leaks. Clean up spilled fluids with an absorbent material like kitty litter or sand.
Recycle used oil and other automotive fluids.
Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly.
Avoid overwatering the lawn.

Did you know? Problems occur when pollutants like chemicals, dirt and debris flow into stormwater systems or directly into streams, rivers and lakes. Anything entering these systems is discharged untreated into the waterbodies we use for swimming, fishing and providing drinking water.