“Only Rain Down The Drain”

 

Home & Garden Tips

  Yard

  Parking Area and Garage

  Home Improvement Projects

 

Yard:

 

…Keep the trashcan area clean.  Any garbage that ends on the ground can be blown to a waterway and pollute your creeks. 

 

…Minimize the use of fertilizers and pesticides in the garden.  If you must use them, choose less toxic alternatives.  Apply in dry weather and water sparingly after use in order to keep the fertilizers and pesticides in the garden.

 

…Keep lawn and yard clippings away from gutters and storm drains.   If they get to the creeks they decompose in the water and rob the aquatic life of oxygen.

 

…Dispose of animal waste properly; flush it down the toilet or throw it in a trashcan.

 

Parking Area and Garage:

 

…Keep your yard, household, and automotive chemicals stored in a cool, dry place without leaks.  Household toxic waste must be recycled or properly disposed of to prevent pollution.

 

…Use a broom instead of a hose to clean parking areas.  After using kitty litter or other absorbent materials to soak up auto leaks on concrete sweep it and dispose of properly.

 

…Recycle used oil, antifreeze, oil filters, and other household toxics. 

 

For household hazardous waste collection drive dates call 1-866-954-8837 or visit http://www.swaco.org/

…When you wash you car, consider runoff; soaps destroy dirt and organisms in the stream.

 

…When possible, use a commercial car wash – these businesses recycle the water and have ways to clean the runoff.

 

…OR consider using little or no soap (even biodegradable soaps don’t break down soon enough to avoid killing organisms in the creeks!).  Try to wash on gravel or grass.

 

…Dump the bucket or extra soapy water into a sink or toilet.

 

Home Improvement Projects:

 

…On concrete:

Sweep up concrete, aggregate, or other dust and waste materials to throw away into the garbage.  DO NOT rinse down the gutter or driveway.  Concrete mixes have chemicals that will poison creek life.

 

…On paint:

Rinse any latex paint contaminated brushes and rollers in the sink, not out of doors (send it to the sanitary treatment plant and NOT to the creek).  Take paint thinner, solvents, and other chemicals to a Household Toxics Facility.

 

…On barbeques:

Avoid cleaning grills onto paved areas that can be rinse into the gutters and creeks.  Burnt food build up on the grill is poisonous to animals in the creek, even in low concentrations. 

 

 

Courtesy of the following: Franklin Soil & Water Conservation District, Franklin County Engineer’s Office, Franklin County Commissioners, and …