Summertime tips for ensuring good water quality

Mowing the grass:

• Try not to mow all the way down to the stream bank. This provides for filtration of any run off pollution, for shade that is necessary for aquatic life and makes the stream bank less vulnerable to erosion.
• Make recreational areas along stream bank a minimal size.
• If stream bank is already mowed, try to plant trees that are native to the area.

Fertilizing the yard:

• Fertilizer makes for a beautiful yard but also a damaging affect on nearby streams.
• Check the nutrient content of your soil and beware over-fertilizing.
• Leave a buffer between the area you plan to fertilize and any impervious surfaces like pavement. This helps guard against runoff of fertilizer into the storm water drainage system and into streams.

Washing your car:

• Wash your car in the grass if possible or wash in a spot where the water flows to grass and soaks into the ground. Otherwise, on the driveway or pavement soap and pollutants will be washed into the storm water drainage system and the stream.
• Try to use less soap.

For questions, call the Murfreesboro Water and Sewer Department at 848–3200 or contact Robert Haley.