How You Can Help To Improve Surface Water Quality
Just as small sources of pollution can have a cumulatively big negative
effect on water quality, so can small changes in the daily practices of
individuals can cumulatively have a strong positive effect. Some small
things you can do include:
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Minimize the surface area of your lawn, substituting natural landscaping
alternatives that minimize surface runoff and do not require fertilizers
or pesticides to grow
-
Plant trees and shrubs on your property
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Direct any water running off our property so that it filters into the soil
instead of flowing out to the storm drain
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Do not store or pile leaves, grass clippings, or trash where wind or water
can carry them into the storm drain or creek
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Minimize the use of fertilizers and pesticides
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Make certain that your septic system is functional
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if you are serviced by public sewers, make certain that your waste is going
to a treatment plant and is not being discharged directly to surface waters
or to storm drains
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DUMP NO WASTE into storm drains--they discharge directly to surface waters
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Become active and interested in land use planning decisions in your community
and how they affect the water quality
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Maintain and preserve wetlands
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Use phosphate-free soaps
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Pick up animal wastes and bag for proper disposal
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Sweep paved surfaces to avoid discharge of dust and debris into storm drains
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Leave a wide undisturbed buffer around creeks and streams if you
own the property
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Dispose of hazardous waste responsibly
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Compost organic waste instead of throwing it away
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Conserve water, and minimize the organic waste thrown into a garbage disposal