Protecting Our Lakes and Rivers From Stormwater Pollution
We ALL live in a watershed!
It’s the land that water flows across or under on its way to a lake, river or stream. Whether or not you live directly on a lake, your actions can impact the quality of water in our waterbodies. If we each do a little, together we can accomplish a lot!
Good Working Practices to Follow
- Recycle or properly dispose of household products that contain chemicals, such as insecticides, pesticides, paint, solvents, used motor oil and other auto fluids.
- Don't pour them onto the ground or into storm drains.
- Keep trash securely in its place.
- Clean up after your pets. This reduces bacteria contamination in waterways.
- Be a responsible boater. Keep your prop clear of vegetation and maintain engine in proper working order to avoid oil and gas leakage into the water.
- Keep septic tanks & drain fields away from the lake. Have your tank pumped every 3—5 years.
- Properly maintain vehicles to avoid pollutants washing into the lake. Fix leaks quickly. Use quick dry materials to clean up oil spills
- Use a commercial car wash that treats or recycles its wastewater, or wash your car on your yard so the water infiltrates into the ground.
- Minimize the use of water, fertilizers and pesticides on your lawn.
- Use drought-, pest- and disease-resistant Florida plants when landscaping your home or business.
- Plant vegetative buffers on slopes and at your shoreline; these help reduce erosion and provide habitat.
- Keep native aquatic plants on your shoreline.
- Refrain from blowing grass clippings & leaves into the lake; these add nutrients to the water causing algal blooms.
- Compost or mulch yard waste. Don't leave it in the street or sweep it into storm drains or streams. Keep curbs and storm drains clear of debris.
- Don't overwater your lawn. Consider using a soaker hose instead of a sprinkler.