What You Can Do

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
• EPA booklet Water Efficient Landscaping (PDF)

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
• To share this information with other people, download and print the EPA brochure entitled The Solution to Stormwater Pollution (PDF)