What YOU can do to prevent NPS pollution

Urban Stormwater Runoff

• Keep litter, pet wastes, leaves and debris out of street gutters and storm drains—these outlets drain directly to lake, streams, rivers and wetlands.
  
  
• Apply lawn and garden chemicals sparingly and according to directions.
  
  
• Dispose of used oil, antifreeze, paints and other household chemicals properly—not in storm sewers or drains. If your community does not already have a program for collecting household hazardous wastes, ask your local government to establish one.
  
  
• Clean up spilled brake fluid, oil, grease and antifreeze. Do not hose them into the street where they can eventually reach local streams and lakes.
  
  
• Control soil erosion on your property by planting ground cover and stabilizing erosion-prone areas.
  
  
• Encourage local government officials to develop construction erosion and sediment control ordinances in your community.
  
  
• Have your septic system inspected and pumped, at a minimum every three to five years, so that it operates properly.
  
  
• Purchase household detergents and cleaners that are low in phosphorous to reduce the amount of nutrients discharged into our lakes, streams and coastal waters.