Protect water quality at home
Most homeowners probably think they don't have much chance to make a difference on larger problems such as flooding, clean water in our streams or protecting wildlife habitat. These seem to be issues left to the government agencies, engineers and wildlife experts.

Let's put that myth to rest. Every homeowner and landowner can make a big difference in the health of our environment that reduces polluted runoff and keeps our streams, lakes and wetlands clean.

What can you do?
To help prevent stormwater pollution, follow these simple tips:
Use lawn chemicals safely. Always follow label instructions and never apply before rain or watering the lawn, unless directed. Make sure the product is swept off sidewalks and other paved areas, where it can wash into creeks and streams.

Go native. Native plants conserve soil and water and provide the backbone for non-polluting landscapes because they don't need fertilizers or pesticides. They support a diversity of wildlife through improved habitat and reduce long-term maintenance. Natives are winter-hardy, drought-tolerant and are less prone to destructive insects and diseases because they are adapted to this region.

Pick up after your pets. When walking your pet, remember to bring extra bags to pick up and dispose of waste properly. Protect our streams. Mowing close to a stream’s edge damages roots that hold soil in place, causing stream banks to erode. Avoid mowing within 10 to 25 feet from the edge of a stream and keep lawn clipping and leaf piles off banks. Recycle used oil. Never place used motor oil in the trash or pour down storm drains. Recycle used oil at a used oil collection facility.

Mow it high, let it lie. Keep your mower blades sharp and stick to the one-third rule: never remove more than one-third of the height of the blades at one mowing. Then, let it lie by leaving your grass clippings on the lawn. They will return up to 25 percent of the needed nitrogen.

Sweep driveways and sidewalks clean. Remove debris and residue that could end up in a storm drain from concrete and paved areas around your house, including grass clippings, leaves and household chemicals.

Build a rain garden. Located in areas of your yard where water collects, rain gardens increase infiltration through the deep roots of native plants, creating a low-maintenance, high-function garden. Wash vehicles the right way. Either wash your car at a car wash that filters the wastewater or wash your car in a grassy area. Avoid washing your car on a driveway or in the street.

Don’t dump. Never discard trash or yard waste down storm drains, in creeks and streams or in the street. Conserve water with a rain barrel. A rain barrel is a container that collects and stores rainwater from downspouts and rooftops for future use watering lawns and gardens, decreasing the amount of stormwater runoff that leaves your property. Shop smart. Purchase and use nontoxic, biodegradable, recycled and recyclable products whenever possible.

Go green. If you’re thinking of being more efficient or planning a remodel, consider LEED certification, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. The United States Green Building Council created LEED as a rating system for green building practices that design, construct and operate buildings in an environmentally friendly way.

Report a problem. Let us know if you see something that isn’t good for our water.