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Resources
Day to Day BMPs (Best Management Practices):
- Avoid overuse of pesticides and fertilizers—use only the amount needed and apply only when necessary.
- Apply fertilizer and pesticides only onto target areas. Don’t spread fertilizer onto paved surfaces that drain to the storm sewer.
- Follow recommended watering practices. Avoid excess watering and don’t sprinkle water onto paved or other areas that drain into the storm sewer.
- Avoid compacting yard and garden soils because compaction impedes water infiltration.
- Avoid unnecessary pesticide, fertilizer, or water use by using plants adapted to the local area.
- Clean up hazardous material spills properly and don’t wash waste into the storm sewer.
- Store oil, gasoline, antifreeze, and other automotive products properly. Keep these substances tightly sealed and avoid leaky containers.
- Clean up oil or other vehicle fluid drippings. Do not store used vehicle parts on areas that drain to the storm sewer.
- Wash vehicles at a commercial car wash or on a non-paved surface to avoid drainage to the storm sewer.
- Avoid allowing pet waste to be dumped or washed into the storm sewer. Properly bury or flush the waste down a toilet into the sanitary sewer system for treatment. Reduce or avoid areas of concentrated pet waste.
- Mulch grass clippings and leave these on the lawn for natural fertility or use the clippings for composting.
- Keep grass clippings and leaves from washing into the storm sewer.
- Drain downspouts onto grassy areas. Collect water from downspouts for use around the home.
- Do not discharge sump-pump water onto paved surfaces that drain to the storm sewer.
- Mulch and seed bare soil as soon as possible to prevent the soil from eroding into the storm sewer.
Many of these best management practices may seem rather simple or small, but the cumulative effect throughout an entire watershed can significantly contribute to improved storm water management. |
