Our local waterways are polluted by chemicals and bacteria that wash off roads, sidewalks and parking lots, run into storm drains, and empty into streams and ponds.
When heavy rain and snow melt flows over hard, impervious surfaces, the water accumulates pollutants, and then flows into a network of underground storm drains and into Sharon’s streams, ponds, and wetlands – untreated.
The seemingly small amounts of chemicals and other pollutants
You can help prevent polluted stormwater runoff:
- Pick up after your dog
- Redirect downspouts
- Prevent yard waste from being washed into
stormdrains - Reduce lawn chemical use
- Properly dispose of household hazardous waste
- Maintain your septic system
Please do the right thing for your health and the health of our water ways, by carrying a plastic bag while walking your dog, and throwing the waste into a trash can.
Unlike other sources that add to water pollution, such as household chemicals and lawn fertilizer, dog waste carries high levels of harmful E. coli bacteria and other pathogens that can pollute our water and make us sick.
Redirect downspouts away from pavement. Let the rainwater from your roof soak into your lawn, shrubs, rain garden, or rain barrel—rather than down your driveway and into a storm drain. (A one-inch rainfall on a 1,000 square foot roof yields approximately 600 gallons of water. )
Redirect downspouts away from pavement. Don’t pile grass clippings, leaves, or other yard waste in streams, wetlands, or near storm drains, as they may contain fertilizer or pesticides which can wash into waterways. Consider starting a compost pile in your yard to recycle yard waste.
Reduce the use of lawn chemicals, and use organic products whenever possible. Excessive amounts of phosphorus, a component of lawn fertilizer, creates weed and algae growth, causing significant water quality problems.
Properly dispose of hazardous household chemicals. Never pour chemicals down a sink drain or toilet, on the ground, or down a storm drain.