Be a Part of the Solution

You can impact the quantity and quality of stormwater through your daily activities.

Residential Stormwater Pollution Solutions

At Home

  • Recycle or properly dispose of household products that contain chemicals, such as insecticides, pesticides, paint, solvents and used motor oil and other auto fluids.
  • Don't pour them onto the ground or into storm drains.
  • Use nontoxic (or less toxic) products when possible.

In Your Yard

  • Use fertilizers and pesticides sparingly and follow label directions.
  • Use organic mulch or safer pest control methods (such as spot treatment) when possible.
  • Compost or mulch yard waste. Don't leave it in the street or dispose of it in storm drains or streams.

Walking the Dog

  • Clean up after your pet. Dispose of pet waste by flushing, burying or trashing.

Caring for Your Car

  • Use a commercial car wash that treats or recycles its wastewater, or wash your car on your yard so the water washes into the ground.
  • Inspect your car for leaks and repair leaks promptly.
  • Dispose of used auto fluids and batteries at designated drop-off or recycling locations.

Business and Commercial Stormwater Pollution Sollutions

Commercial Areas

  • Sweep up litter and debris from sidewalks, driveways and parking lots, especially around storm drains.
  • Cover grease storage containers and dumpsters. Keep them clean to avoid leaks.
  • Report any chemical spill to the local harardous waste cleanup team.

Construction Areas

  • Properly maintain construction vehicles and check for fuel, oil and anti-freeze leaks.
  • Divert stormwater away from disturbed or exposed areas of the construction site.
  • Install silt fences, vehicle mud removal areas, vegetative cover, and other sediment and erosion controls and properly maintain them.
  • Minimize disturbed areas during construction projects, and seed and mulch bare areas as soon as possible.

Automotive Facilities

  • Clean up spills immediately and properly dispose of cleanup materials.
  • Provide cover over fueling stations and design or retrofit facilities for spill containment.
  • Properly maintain fleet vehicles.
  • Install and maintain oil/water separators.

To learn more about causes of water pollution and how you can be a part of the solution, visit:

Clean Water Campaign

Pollution Prevention Assistance Division