When it rains, the stormwater that runs off driveways, lawns, houses and parking lots can carry pollutants like oil, paint and chemicals down storm sewers and into nearby lakes, streams and rivers.By taking the following easy, no-cost or low-cost steps, you can have a big impact on reducing runoff and protecting our water resources and wildlife habitat.

1. Fertilize smart

Sweep up any fertilizer that spills onto hard surfaces. Excess fertilizer washes away into nearby lakes or streams where it can feed algae. Algae blooms stress fish and wildlife, and they make swimming and fishing unpleasant or impossible.

2. Grass - Don't blow it off

Don't blow or rake grass clippings and leaves into the street. Leave them on your lawn, use them for compost, or bag them up. 

Grass clippings and leaves left in the street end up in the storm sewer, where they are carried to nearby lakes and streams. Clippings and leaves contain phosphorus and other nutrients that - like fertilizer - feed algae and other aquatic plants. 

3. Use your runoff

Direct downspouts onto your lawn or garden or into a rain barrel. Rainwater is free, naturally soft and perfect for keeping green things growing. Using rainwater to water your lawn and garden reduces runoff, which carries pollutants to lakes and streams.

4. Scoop the poop

Grab a bag when you grab the leash, and pick up after your pets. When pet waste is left behind, rainwater washes it into lakes and streams. Pet waste contains bacteria that can cause illness. It also contains nutrients that can cause excessive algae blooms in lakes and streams.

5. Use chemicals wisely

Read the label before using herbicides and pesticides, and apply according to directions. Use the minimum amount needed to control the problem. If you can, consider using alternative or natural remedies to control weeds and pests, or remove the problem by hand.

6. Keep a healthy lawn

Aerate your lawn, seed bare patches and mow at a higher setting. Healthy lawns are good for the environment. A healthy, vigorous lawn needs less watering, fewer chemicals and less maintenance. 

Aerate your lawn periodically to loosen the soil. Seed bare patches to prevent erosion and soil loss. Mow at a higher setting. Grass mowed to a height of 2 ½ to 3 inches develops deeper, healthier roots and has a competitive advantage over weeds. Learn more earth-friendly lawn care tips. 

7. Plant a rain garden

Capture, clean and infiltrate rainwater that would otherwise run off your property. Rain gardens are planted depressions designed to store rainwater and allow it to soak into the soil. Learn more about rain gardens.

8. Replace turf with native plants

Swap some of your high-maintenance lawn for low-maintenance native ground cover, plants or grasses. Many native plants develop deeper root structures than turf grass, which reduces runoff by allowing for better water infiltration. Check with your city for any landscaping ordinances. 

9. Reduce your footprint

Replace some pavement - such as a walk, patio or driveway - with pavers or pervious pavement. The porous surface will allow water to seep through, reducing the amount of water that runs off into the storm sewer. 

10. Adopt a storm drain

Keep neighborhood storm drains free of leaves, seeds and grass clippings. Storm drains are directly connected to the nearest body of water. Water running into storm drains can carry with it anything dumped nearby including leaves, grass clippings, soil, oil, paint and chemicals. 

Keeping storm drains clear will protect the water quality of nearby lakes, streams and rivers. Learn more about adopting a storm drain.