What can be done to avoid stormwater pollution?

  • Don't litter
  • Don't dump anything except water into a storm drain
  • Take all unwanted paint, chemicals, cleaners, fuels, pesticides and hazardous waste to the appropriate Household Hazardous Waste Facility
  • Never pour household products such as cleansers, beauty products, used motor oil and other auto fluids, paint, lawn care or household chemicals on the ground or in a storm drain
  • Do not pour any of the products listed above down the sink or flush them down the toilet.
  • Use non-toxic alternatives to home cleaning chemicals
  • Do not buy more household cleaner or other chemicals than you need for a particular job
  • Read and follow directions on the use of household chemicals and disposal of containers
  • Sweep driveways and patios clean instead of hosing them down
  • Check for leaky faucets and turn off the water when brushing teeth to conserve water
  • Buy products with less packaging whenever possible
  • Clean up after your pet before it rains
  • Adequately contain curbside trash so it doesn't leak, fall over or blow around
  • Preserve established trees in the yard and neighborhood
  • Don't overuse fertilizers and pesticides if you choose to use them
  • Plant trees, shrubs and ground covers that filter pollutants and reduce stormwater runoff
  • Do not cut the grass too short; adjust the lawnmower to the proper height to reduce runoff from laws
  • Plant native vegetation and or plants that require little or no fertilizer
  • Do not over-water plants and lawn. Make sure water doesn't wash over streets and sidewalks
  • Recycle yard debris, or use it to make compost, instead of raking it into streets where it can wash into storm sewers
  • Repair vehicle or equipment leaks
  • Recycle used motor oil
  • When washing the car, park it on the grass instead of in the driveway or go use a covered car wash station