Reduce Stormwater Pollution
DON’T OVERAPPLY FERTILIZER
When excess fertilizer gets into our storm drain system and travels into our waterways, algae blooms can form resulting in a loss of oxygen in the water. Algae blooms pose a direct threat to aquatic life. Also, sweep up any excess fertilizer on your sidewalk or driveway.
SWEEP, DON’T HOSE
Sweep around your house and driveway versus hosing to clean away the accumulated dirt and debris. When you sweep, pick up the debris and place it into the appropriate trash receptacle.
TAKE YOUR CAR TO A CAR WASH
Spring is a great time for cleaning up inside and outside the home. However, when you spruce up your car, think of going to a local carwash versus hosing it down at home to save in order to reduce the amount of detergents that get washed into the storm drain.
INSTALL NATIVE PLANTS
Native plants are the foundation of a natural ecosystem. They provide biodiversity, which boosts productivity and diversity of species, ensuring longevity and sustainability by providing ample food and habitat. Native plants also thrive in their “home” environment requiring less water to thrive.
MAKE YOUR LANDSCAPE WATER-FRIENDLY WITH GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
Consider installing permeable pavers, rain barrels, French drains, or rain gardens. When you make an effort to control the flow and sinking of water in your landscape, you are helping to keep toxins and debris out of the storm drain system as well as capture water naturally.