What is Storm Water Pollution What can I do about storm water pollution Where does my storm water go Test You Storm Water Knowledge
Community Events
What Can I Do About Storm Water Pollution
What Can I do About Storm Water Pollution
Top Ten Things You Can Do To Help Clean Up Area Waterways
  • Be a watershed watchdog.
    If you see a potential stormwater problem, such as clogged storm drains, trash in the gutter, pollutants washing into or discharging from storm sewers, or uncontrolled erosion from construction sites, contact your local municipal or county public works department.

    Information About Pet Waste:
    cecommerce.uwex.edu/pdfs/GWQ006.PDF

 


  • Be a Pooper Scooper--Pick Up After Your Pets.
    You can flush pet waste down the toilet, bury it 4-6 inches deep in the yard or dispose in a specially designed composter. Do not put it in your vegetable garden or compost that will be used for your garden.

 

 

 

 

 

  • Kick Your Chemical Dependency.
    Use non-toxic alternatives to conventional household chemicals whenever possible. When not possible, properly dispose of hazardous household chemicals such as oil-based paints, cleaning chemicals, pesticides, solvents, batteries and disinfectants. Never dispose of hazardous chemicals or wash paintbrushes in the storm drain. Learn more about how to properly dispose of hazardous chemicals through the Washington County Clean Sweep Program.

    Information About Pesticides:
    clean-water.uwex.edu/pubs/yardcare/lgpesti.pdf

 

  • Practice Careful Car Care.
    Regularly maintain your car and fix any oil, radiator or transmission leak as soon as you see them. If you change your own oil, make sure to take the used oil to a recycling collection site. Never pour it behind the garage, on the driveway to kill weeds or down the storm drain. Also, consider using a commercial car wash, or wash your car on your lawn to prevent car-washing detergents from washing down the storm drain.

    Information About Car Care:
    clean-water.uwex.edu/pubs/stewards/Y008.pdf

 

 

  • Use a proper container for trash and recyclables.
    Don't put trash into the street or gutter where it can be washed into the storm sewer system and then to local waterways.

 

 

 
 
  • Keep soil in your yard, and out of our waterways.
    Bare soil easily washes into the storm drains. Cover exposed soil with seed and mulch as soon as possible. Cover piles of soil for your yard or garden with a tarp until you're ready to use it. If you're building a home, choose a builder who takes extra care not to track mud onto the streets, and who installs and maintains practices that prevent soil from washing off your lot during construction.
kids corner