Pick it Up
Whether it’s a cigarette butt, plastic bag, or your dog’s waste, neither the street - nor the gutters - are the place for them.
Don’t Water Your Pesticides
If you must use pesticides, fertilizers, or other chemicals in your yard, choose non-hazardous options and use just enough. Don’t apply them right before it rains, and be sure not to over water after application - not only will you lose most of the effect as they are washed away, you’ll also harm the environment.
Keep Car Fluids Off the Streets
When you’re working on your car in the street or driveway, don’t let motor oil or sudsy water run into the streets and down storm drains.
Don’t Paint the Town
Washing your paint brushes with outdoor faucets, or dumping unused paint, engine oil, or other toxic liquids down the gutter will send it all into our rivers, streams, and oceans.
Compost, Reuse, Recycle!
Just because it’s organic material doesn’t mean you should leave it out. Compost, reuse, or recycle your grass, leaves, tree branches, and other green waste, so it doesn’t clog storm drains and flood your neighborhood. Looking for tips on how to manage green waste? Check out this guide.
Don’t Clog Up the Works
Storm drains won’t catch stormwater if they’re clogged with everything else. Keep storm drains clear and give the authorities a call to take care of any clogged drains you notice. Your unflooded street, and water supply, will thank you later.
Chemicals are for Pools
Keep your pool water -- and pool chemicals, like bleach -- inside the pool. If they splash out, they’ll just add to the toxic mix of stormwater pollution.
Skip the Plastic
Whether it’s a water bottle or a food container, disposable plastic often finds its way into our storm drains and eventually our waterways. Opt for reusable materials that will reduce waste, protect our water and save you money.