Residents
10 Tips to Prevent Stormwater Pollution
Nutrient Pollution Reduction Fact Sheet
The following tips can be implemented in your daily activities to help us keep stormwater clean:
- Avoid the use of herbicides & pesticides. Use natural fertilizer such as compost. Don't apply fertilizer or pesticides before it rains. Avoid over spraying them onto sidewalks, driveways or streets.
- Do not over-water your lawn - reduce runoff. Runoff water can carry fertilizers and pesticides from your yard into our local waterways causing harm to humans, animals and fish. Adjust sprinklers so that you're not watering the street or sidewalk. Redirect roof gutters to lawns, natural areas or rain gardens
- Plant native plants, that need less water & chemicals. Select pest-resistant plants to reduce the use of garden chemicals. Replant bare areas to avoid soil erosion
- Do not wash your car on the street. Go to a commercial carwash or wash the car over the lawn. Pour soapy water down the sink, not the street.
- Maintain your vehicle. Motor oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, engine cleaner and battery acid can cause water pollution. Do not pour motor oil or antifreeze into the storm drain. If a spill occurs, use cat litter or sawdust to soak up fluid, then put it in the trash. Check your car for oil or other leaks
- Pick-up pet waste. Pet waste can be a major source of bacteria & excess nutrients in local waters. Pick up pet waste, put it in the trash or flush it down the toilet.
- Recycle household chemical waste at the Adams County Household Chemical Round-up. There are two collection events per year.
- Pick up litter. Keep stormwater clean, dispose of cans, bottles, papers and cigarette butts in the trash.
- Sweep up yard waste. Keep leaves, branches and dirt piles away from the street gutter. Bag or compost yard waste.
- Volunteer: Participate on stormwater pollution protection awareness events; report spills, dumping or suspected pollution to 303-655-2120.