Much of the land around our town is covered in buildings and pavement, which does not allow rain and snowmelt to soak into the ground. Rain and snowmelt wash anything that’s on the streets and paved surfaces into storm drains. Oil, fertilizer, pesticides, detergents, pet waste, grass clippings, and litter are common pollutants. Stormwater runoff can carry pollutants into streams and rivers, harming water quality. Stormwater pollution is a great threat to water quality.
As a member of our community, it is important to know how you can help protect our water. Below is a chart of suggestions on small changes you can do to help stormwater quality.
| Pollution | Lawn Care |
| Dispose of litter properly RECYCLE Participate in community clean-ups Make sure your vehicle isn’t leaking automotive fluids Do not let sewage drain into the storm drain system | Keep leaves and grass out of storm drains Compost yard waste when possible Have your soil tested to see if fertilizer is even needed Look for alternatives to pesticides Follow directions on pesticide and fertilizer application Use fertilizer low in phosphorus. |
| Pets | Hazardous Products |
| Clean up after your pets Properly dispose of pet waste Dispose of pet waste in trash cans or in the toilets Do NOT dispose of pet waste in storm drains Use Pet Waste stations when you can | Motor oil, cleaning supplies, paints, lawn and garden products, antifreeze, etc should NOT be poured down storm drains You can dispose of hazardous products at the local TOX-A-WAY Day. Usually, October and in May. Consider a less toxic alternative when possible. |
Morgan County Partnership for Water Quality 