Follow the tips below to stop small, individual activities that cause pollution and result in large-scale pollution.
10 Things You Can Do to Prevent Storm water Runoff Pollution:
- Remember: Only rain belongs in the drain! Don’t dump anything down storm drains. Be sure to clear away leaves and debris.
- Clean up pet waste. Bag up pet waste and dispose of it in the trash to prevent harmful bacteria from washing into local waterways.
- Keep your car well-maintained. Fix any fluid leaks promptly and make sure to clean-up any spills.
- Wash your car at a commercial car wash rather than in the street or in your driveway. If you wash your car at home, wash it on your lawn.
- Direct downspouts away from paved surfaces; consider planting a rain garden or installing a rain barrel to collect the storm water.
- Cut down on fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. If you use these chemicals, follow directions and use them sparingly. Don’t fertilize before a rainstorm.
- Reduce impervious surfaces at home and increase the vegetated land cover of your property. Use bricks, gravel, cobbles, natural stone, or permeable pavers instead of asphalt or concrete when possible.
- Do not drain your pool or hot tub to a storm drain. Allow chlorine to dissipate for several days and test the water to ensure the residual chlorine is zero before slowly draining to a landscaped area.
- Walk, bike, or share a ride when possible. Driving causes particulates to enter our air. Air pollution can contaminate rain and end up in our rivers and streams.
- Share your knowledge with your friends, colleagues and neighbors!