How to Keep Streams Clean
Piles of grass clippings or leaves in front of houses adds up to a blocked storm drain; a gallon of soapy water here and there adds up to a sudsy stream. An inch of runoff from your property added to an inch of runoff from an entire subdivision adds up to millions of gallons entering the storm drain system and local streams.
- Remember, only rain down the drain. Hosing off driveways, sidewalks and rooftops, can add contaminants and excess soil to the stormwater. Try to send the runoff water through vegetation for a natural filtering effect.
- Limit soil erosion on your property by adding compost or mulch to gardens. Bare areas should be covered with mulch until they can be seeded or vegetated.
- Only apply fertilizers and pesticides when no rain is predicted for at least a few days. Make sure gardening services and pesticide applicators know the weather forecast and adhere to this rule.
- Set sprinklers to minimize runoff. Using frequent, short cycles gives the water a chance to soak into the soil. Make sure sprinkler heads are adjusted to reduce overspray. Water the minimum necessary for the plant.
- Maintain your local culvert. Clear debris away from stormwater inlets and outlets.
- Hire a qualified professional when tackling major land disturbing activities (remodeling requiring excavation, major landscaping, etc.). Many landscape architects, civil engineers and contractors are trained in erosion and sediment control.
Contact us if you see problems with washwater discharges or dumping to the storm drain system.
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