The choices people make about their yards, their pets and disposal of liquid and solid wastes have an impact on the ocean and on the streams and rivers that flow into the ocean.

Here are a few things that you can do…

• Conserve water. The more water you use the morewater you send down the drain to be processed at sewage treatment facilities. This excess water can lead to sewer overflows and raw sewage discharges into streams, rivers and beach areas.

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• Use designated restrooms at beaches.This can help to decrease the amount of human waste that iswashed into the ocean. Keep diapered children out of the water and dispose of diapers properly. 

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• Properly dispose of pet waste. Bring bags to collect pet waste and throw it away in a trashcan. This helps decrease the amount of waste that is washed into streams, rivers and beaches when it rains.

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• Dispose of trash properly. Place all waste in a trashcan, not on the beach or in the water.

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• Use natural products in your yard. Whenever possible, minimize or eliminate the use of chemical herbicides and pesticides because they pollute the water.

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• Maintain your septic system, including the drain field. Follow manufacturer instructions regarding pumping and maintenance service. This prevents the discharge of raw sewage into storm drains, rivers, streams, and the ocean following heavy rainfall.

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• Properly dispose of boating waste. Empty portable toilet and sewage holding tanks into approved on-shore facilities. Maintain engines to minimize discharges of oil and gasoline.

For more information, contact DHS at 971.673.0429.