How to keep our lakes and rivers clean

Never dump used motor oil, paint or household chemicals on the ground or in a storm drain.
Don’t pour household chemicals down the sink or flush them down the toilet.
Use non-toxic alternatives to home cleaning chemicals.
Don’t buy more of a household cleaner or other chemical than you need for the job.
Read and follow directions on the use of household chemicals and disposal of containers.
Sweep driveways and patios clean instead hosing them down.
Check for leaky faucets and turn off the water when brushing teeth to conserve water.
Pre-cycle. Buy products with less packaging and keep your recycling and refuse bucket lids closed.
Pick up pet waste and put it in the garbage can or flush it down the toilet.

Preserve established trees in your yard and neighborhood.
Don’t overuse fertilizers and pesticides.
Plant trees, shrubs and ground covers that filter pollutants and reduce stormwater runoff.
Don’t cut your grass too short. Adjust your lawnmower to the proper height to reduce runoff from lawns, and evaporation before infiltration.
Plant native vegetation and choose plants that require little or no fertilizer.
When you water your 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.
Use compost or mulch to hold moisture in the soil and control weeds.

Drive your car less to reduce automotive fluid leaks on roadways.
Got drips? Use kitty litter or other absorbent material to pick up drips before rain washes them into the storm drain and river.
Recycle used motor oil at appropriate business locations for hazardous waste pick ups.
When you wash your car, park it on the grass instead of on the street or driveway.

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