Washing the car in the driveway (impervious surface) allows all the soap, dirt, and oily grit to run down the driveway, into the street, and ultimately into the storm drain. This polluted water will end up in streams, lakes, and rivers, compromising the fish and wildlife that rely on those bodies of water for thier existence. It can also end up in swimming and drinking water.

The best solution would be to take vehicles to a car wash to be cleaned. The water at carwashes gets treated to help reduce stormwater pollution. If it's not possible to take your vehicle to a car wash, the next solution would be to wash the car on the lawn (pervious surface) which allows the water to soak into it.

Leaking Fluids

Vehicles or machinery that leak fluids need to be repaired as soon as possible. Never rinse a fluid spill into the storm drain. Always clean up the spilled fluids with absorbent material such as kitty litter or sand, sweeping it up after the spill has been aborsed. Remember to properly dispose of the absorbent material.

Recycle used oil and automotive fluids at participating service stations or on hazardous waste collection days.

Lawn Care

If it's necessary to use pesticides and fertilizers on your lawn or garden, use them sparingly and follow the directions on the package. If rain in forecasted, try not to use these chemicals just prior to rain. When it rains and chemicals have just been applied, the chemicals end up in the stormwater runoff and get deposited into local waterbodies.

After mowing the lawn, don't wash grass clipping and yard debris off the driveway with the garden hose. Instead, sweep up yard debris, and compost or recycle yard waste as much as possible.

Water your lawn sparingly. Cool times of the day are best for watering. Don't let water run into storm drains.

Use drought-and pest-resistant native grasses and plants in your yard. These require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides.

When landscaping your yard, cover piles of mulch and dirt to avoid them being blown or washed away into local waterbodies. Make sure to vegetate any bare spots in the yard to prevent the soil from eroding.

Home Repairs

Prior to starting any outdoor projects, find the nearest storm drains and make sure they are protected from any materials that could end up in the storm drain from the project.

Do not wash down or use a blower to get rid of any construction debris. Sweep up the debris and then dispose of it properly. This is especially important with concrete and mortar.

When its necessary to work with hazardous substances such as paints, cleaners and solvents, remember to use the smallest amount possible for the job and make sure the label directions are followed. If a spill occurs, immediately clean it up dispose of the waste safely. Chemicals should be stored properly to avoid any accidental leaks spills or leaks.

When possible, purchase and use nontoxic, biodegradeable, recycled and recyclable products.

Never clean paint brushes outdoors and don't use the garden hose to wash them. Paint brushes should be cleaned in the sink.

Never dispose of unwated or excess paints or chemicals in the sink or down the storm drain. Dispose of these properly through household hazardous waste collection programs in your area or donate unused paint to organizations in your area.