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/sediment control ordinances in your community.
Have your septic system inspected and pumped, at a minimum, every
3-5 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.
Use proper logging and erosion control practices on your forest
lands by ensuring proper construction, maintenance, and closure of
logging roads and skid trails.
Report questionable logging practices to state and federal
forestry and state water quality agencies.
Manage animal waste to minimize contamination of surface water and
ground water.
Protect drinking water by using less pesticides and fertilizers.
Reduce soil erosion by using conservation practices and other
applicable best management practices.
Use planned grazing systems on pasture and rangeland.
Dispose of pesticides, containers, and tank rinsate in an approved manner.