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 Runoff from rainstorms and snowmelt is the most significant source of water pollution today. Reducing water pollution from runoff can best be addressed by observing a number of "best practices" at home, in the yard, and in the garage.
Vehicle & Garage
- Take your car to a car wash; don't wash it in the driveway.
- Check your car, motorcycle, and equipment for leaks.
- Recycle your motor oil.
Lawn & Garden
- Use fertilizers and pesticides properly and sparingly.
- Sweep up driveways, sidewalks, and gutters.
- Vegetate bare spots in your yard.
- Grow native plants and grasses.
- For more informaton, see the EPA booklet Water Efficient Landscaping (pdf, 1.7 MB).
Home Maintenance
- Direct downspouts away from paved surfaces.
- Use paints and cleaners in the smallest amounts possible.
- Use nontoxic, biodegradable, recycled, and recyclable products.
- Have your septic tank pumped and system inspected regularly.
Other
- Never dump anything down storm drains or in streams.
- Pick up after your pet.
- For share this information with other people, download and print the EPA brochure entitled The Solution to Stormwater Pollution (pdf).
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