Pollution Prevention

What You Can Do

In Your Neighborhood

  • Label storm drains in your neighborhood
  • Do not deposit pet waste into storm sewers
    • Flushing pet waste is the best disposal method
    • Other options include putting pet waste into garbage cans or compost bins

Around Your House

  • Install rain barrels
  • Install a rain garden
  • Do not dump any of the following onto your lawn or into the storm sewers:
    • Antifreeze
    • Cleaning supplies
    • Driveway sealer
    • Freon (from appliances and air conditioners)
    • Gasoline
    • Mercury
    • Motor oil
    • Paint and paint thinner
    • Recycling and drop-off information
  • Do not use excessive amounts of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers on your lawn.
    • Excess pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers can be washed off by rain and contaminate the storm sewer system
    • Do not dump pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers into the storm sewer system.
    • Proper disposal information
  • Do not dump any of the following items into the natural environment (this includes wooded areas, empty lots, and landfills):
    • Batteries
      • Car batteries
      • Household batteries
      • Nickel Cadmium batteries
      • Watch batteries
    • Computers
    • Explosives
    • Fire extinguishers
    • Florescent lights and CFLs
    • Ink cartridges
    • Propane tanks (empty or filled)
    • Smoke alarms
    • Tires
    • Televisions
    • Household hazardous waste collection
  • Wash your car on the lawn instead of your driveway.
    • The lawn will absorb a lot of the water and filter out most of the soap and dirt before it reaches the storm sewer system
  • Make sure no chlorine is present in pool or spa water before draining the structure
    • Make sure no chlorine has been added to the pool or spa in the last 48 hours
    • Test the water to ensure the chlorine level is below 0.1 milligrams per liter
    • Discharge the water slowly over an open grassy area, not into a stream or storm sewer system
  • Keep your septic system in good working order
    • Have your septic system inspected by a professional at least every 3 years
    • Pump the septic tank when needed (about every 3 to 5 years)
    • Plant only grass over and near the drain field to avoid damage from tree roots
    • Do not drive or park vehicles over the drain field

Businesses and Restaurants

  • Maintain a clean lot
    • Make sure cooking oils are not spilled
    • Make sure oil bins and dumpsters are serviced and emptied regularly
    • Make sure dumpster drain plugs are in place and that food dumpster seals are functioning properly and preventing seepage
  • Do not pour fats, oils or grease down storm drains or on the ground.
  • Use proper cleaning practices
    • Dispose of mop bucket water down an inside drain, mop sink, or sanitary line. Do not pour mop water onto the parking lot or into a storm drain.
    • When appliances and vehicles must be washed, use proper contain and capture methods. Do not allow wash water to enter a storm drain. The dirt and soap can contaminate the natural water system

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