Keeping the waters clean
Do you know where your runoff goes? As you watch the last remnants of snow melting in your yard this spring, think about where the water flows when it leaves your yard. Do you have a wetland, lake, or creek on your property that receives some of the water?
As water flows across patios, driveways, lawns, exposed soil, and other surfaces it can pick up any loose particles, chemicals, debris, or other items it encounters. These materials may wash directly into a water resource on your property or out into the street. Most runoff that enters the street usually is directed down the street or through a stormsewer system into the nearest wetland, lake, or creek. Any materials in that runoff can collect in the water, reducing flood capacity, releasing nutrients that can promote the growth of algae and weeds, harming native plant and animal species, or making the water unsightly.
Although you may not always be able to enjoy the view from your window, we all effectively live on a lake, creek, or wetland when it comes to water quality. You can help keep your neighborhood waters clean by using the simple tips below.
- Fertilize only if needed
- Have a soil test done before applying fertilizers. Consider organic and slow-release fertilizers or soil amendments such as composts that can help build the soil.
- Keep the clippings on the lawn
- Direct your lawn mower to blow clippings back into your yard and sweep up any strays that end up in the street. Mulching mowers put nutrients back into your lawn—the equivalent of one fertilizer treatment per year.
- Clean up spills
- Sweep up spilled fertilizer, pet food, or other materials that can wash into the street. Mop or sponge liquids and use absorbing compounds to soak up oils and grease so that you can dispose of them properly.
- Pick up pet waste
- Bag up pet wastes and place them in the trash. Waste matter can contain nutrients as well as bacteria and other microorganisms that may be harmful to other animals.
- Adopt a storm drain (or curbline)
- Pick up leaves, sticks, and debris around the storm drain or along the curb as you clean your yard. Disposing of these materials properly keeps them out of the water and keeps the water flowing freely.
