What Can You Do to Help?

• If you change your own car oil or other fluids, make sure to recycle the used fluids properly – do not dump them down storm drains.
• If you have pets, dispose of pet waste in plastic bags and put in trash can with other household trash.
• Wash your car on grass or gravel so the soapy water filters into the ground and does not run into the storm drain.
• Properly dispose of unwanted chemicals, paints, oils, thinners, etc to the local authority instead of dumping them on the ground or in the storm drain or sink.
• Use pesticides, fertilizer, and herbicides as directed on their label, and use them sparingly.
• Practice xeriscaping by using native trees, shrubs and groundcovers based on their adaptability to your region’s soil and climate. Most native plants have lower water demands, fewer pest problems, and require less fertilizer than non-native plants.
• If your car leaks oils or fluids of any kind, get it fixed and/or place absorbent materials underneath

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has an in-depth website about what you can do as a homeowner to help reduce stormwater pollution in your neighborhood. Many commercial, industrial, and agricultural groups can also do their part to reduce NPS pollution by looking into ways to practice Source Control for stormwater pollution.