Stormwater Household Tips

Vehicle and Garage

*  Use a commercial car wash or wash your car on a lawn or other unpaved surface to minimize the amount of dirty, soapy water flowing into the storm drain.

*  Check your car, boat, motorcycle and other machinery and equipment for leaks and spills.  Make repairs as soon as possible.  Clean up spilled fluids with an absorbent material and never rinse spills into nearby storm drains.

*  Dispose of used oil and other automotive fluids at participating service stations.

Lawn and Garden

*  Use only the recommended amounts of pesticides and fertilizers.  Avoid application if the forecast calls for rain; otherwise the chemicals may be washed into your local stream.

*  Sweep up yard debris, rather than hosing down the area.  Recycle yard waste whenever possible.

*  Don't over water your lawn.  Water during the cool part of the day and don't let water run off into the storm drain.

*  Cover piles of dirt or mulch being used in landscaping projects to prevent pollutants from blowing or washing off your yard into the local stream.  Cover bare spots in your yard with vegetation to prevent soil erosion. 

Home Repair and Improvement

*  Before beginning an outdoor project, locate the nearest storm drains and protect them from debris and other materials.

*  Sweep up and properly dispose of construction debris.

*  Always follow the directions on the label when using paints, solvents or cleaners.  If you have a spill, clean it up immediately and dispose of the waste safely.  Store your products properly to avoid spills and leaks.

*  Purchase and use products that are nontoxic, biodegradable, recycled and recyclable whenever possible.

*  Clean paint brushes in a sink, not outdoors.  Properly dispose of household paints through a household hazardous waste collection program.

*  Reduce the amount of paved area and increase the area of vegetated area in your yard.  Consider directing downspouts away from paved surfaces onto lawns to increase infiltration and reduce polluted runoff.

Pet Care

*  When walking your pet, always pick up the waste and dispose of it properly.  Flushing pet waste is the best disposal method.  Leaving pet waste on the ground increases public health risks by allowing harmful bacteria to wash into the storm drain and eventually into the local streams.

Swimming Pool and Spa

*  Drain your swimming pool only when a test kit does not detect chlorine levels.

*  Whenever possible, drain your pool or spa into the sanitary sewer system.

*  Properly store pool and spa chemicals to prevent leaks and spills, preferably in a covered area to avoid exposure to stormwater.

Septic System Use and Maintenance

*  Have your septic system inspected by a professional at least every 3 years. 

*  Care for the septic system drainfield by not driving or parking vehicles on it.  Plant only grass over and near the drainfield to protect it from roots.

*  Flush responsibly.  Flushing paint, pesticides, oil and antifreeze can destroy the biological treatment taking place in the system.  Avoid flushing items such as diapers, paper towels and cat litter which can clog and/or damage components.