The City of Washington, Indiana

Actions You Can Take to Reduce Storm Water Pollution

Home:

Properly use, store and dispose of all household chemicals.

Use a garbage can with a tight –fitting lid for trash, and recycle whenever possible.

Disconnect your downspouts from sewer standpipes and direct them to flow over your lawn or garden. (City Ordinance 52.042 forbids connecting roof downspouts and exterior drains to the public sewer system)

Use a broom instead of a hose to clean off driveways and sidewalks.

Use a snow shovel instead of salt/ice melt to clear sidewalks and driveways in the winter.

Choose water-based paints (such as latex) for painting projects – clean brushes in a sink.

Dispose of cooking fats, oils and grease in the trash instead of down the drain.

NEVER flush any medications down the drain or toilet!

Lawn and Garden:

Minimize or eliminate the use of fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides – if you must use them, follow all label directions carefully.

Start a compost pile for leaves, grass clippings, and garden waste.

Landscape using plant species native to your area.

Plant ground cover plants in bare areas to help control soil erosion.

Clean up and properly dispose of pet wastes.

Plant a rain garden and direct downspouts to flow into it.

Install a rain barrel to collect and save the rainwater flowing off your roof.

 Auto Maintenance:

Keep your vehicles tuned up and repair all leaks promptly.

Recycle used motor oil and anti-freeze.

Clean up any spilled automotive fluids with an absorbent material, and dispose of it in the trash.

Wash your car at a commercial car wash, or on a grassy area where water can soak into the ground.