A Homeowner’s Guide To Healthy Habits For Clean Water
| Use fertilizers sparingly and sweep up driveways, sidewalks and roads. Avoid application if the forecast calls for rain. |
| Never dump anything down storm drains including: cleaners, beauty products, medicine, auto fluids, paint, lawn care products, grease, diapers, condoms, feminine hygiene products, motor oil and photographic chemicals. |
| Vegetate bare spots in your yard with native plants and grasses. | |
| Compost your yard waste. Cover mulch and dirt being used in landscaping projects to prevent being blown or washed away. | |
| Don’t overwater your lawn and water during the cool time of the day. | |
| Avoid pesticides and learn about Integrated Pest Management. | |
| Direct downspouts away from paved surfaces. | |
| Take your car to the car wash instead of washing it in the driveway. | |
| Check car and other machinery for leaks and spills. Clean up spilled fluids with an absorbent material like kitty litter or sand, and properly dispose of the absorbent material. | |
| Recycle motor oil at participating service stations. | |
| Pick up after your pet. | |
| Have your septic tank pumped every 3 –5 years and system inspected regularly, every 3 years. | |
| Properly store pool and spa chemicals to prevent leaks and spills preferably in a covered area. | |
| Care for your septic system drainfield by not driving or parking vehicles on it. Plant only grass over and near the drainfield to avoid damage form roots. | |
| Before beginning an outdoor project, locate the nearest storm drains and protect them from debris and other material. | |
| Purchase and use nontoxic, biodegradable, recycled, and recyclable products whenever possible. |