In the News

What You Can Do To Protect Water Quality
date posted: June 25 2002

• Hike only on existing trails.
  
• Use fertilizers and lawn chemicals sparingly.
  
• Water carefully and avoid runoff. Yard chemicals and fertilizers can wash into ditches and storm drains. Use law and garden chemicals carefully, according to their labels, to avoid excess or unneeded application.
  
• Use phosphate-free laundry detergent.
  
• Take household hazardous wastes to the fire department or an appropriate recycler.
  
• Recycle used automotive oil. Never dump oil, paint, antifreeze or other chemicals into a storm drain or ditch. Oil dumped on the ground or in the street can pollute groundwater, streams and the lake.
  
• Don’t litter.
  
• Clean up after pets.
  
• Wash cars at a commercial car wash that filters and recycles wash & rinse water.
  
• Don’t ride mountain bikes on muddy dirt roads or trails. Don’t ride across streams Use bridges instead, or walk your bike across.
  
• Never pour any chemicals down storm drains.
  
• Don’t use two-stroke engines for boating. Properly service engines and motors in vehicles and watercraft.
  
• Report water polluters.