- Where does the water flow when it leaves your property?
Get to know your watershed: the water that runs off your
property flows via the streets, through the catch basins to storm
pipes, or through ditches or even directly to some natural water
source. Learn where the water goes and how to protect it.
- Pick up after your pet. Use a doggie bag when you walk you
dog, clean your yard of animal waste and dispose of the waste in a
trash can. This is especially important if the waste is close
to a street or water body.
- Minimize the use of fertilizers, herbicides and other
pesticides. Investigate using natural pesticides and use the
minimum fertilizer required. Use plants suited to the soils
and climate of their region.
- Take your car to the car wash (they treat the wash water) or
wash your car on the lawn where the water flows into the grass -
don't let wash water get to the street and storm drain. Keep
your car in good condition so it does not drip oil or other fluids.
- Don't sweep or rake yard debris into the street, collect it and
compost it or use gravel to fill holes.
- Take advantage of Martin County Hazardous Waste recycling
center. Properly dispose of paints, chemicals, motor oils,
Never dump them in the bushes or pour these down the sink or toilet
or in the catch basin (storm sewer, rain gutter)!!!!
- Never dump debris or garbage into a
ravine or creek!! The material may kill fish or even block a
stream causing a stream causing flooding. In Martin County
contact the Planning and Zoning at (507) 238-3242 to report blocked
catch basins or garbage in the creeks.
- Do not hose materials into the
street. Report any spills or individuals putting materials
down the storm drain.
- Landscape for the environment.
Reduce the impervious surface on your property and replace grass
with natural plantings - use natural plantings and trees to slow
water flow. These steps reduce the need for fertilizer and
watering. Investigate and/or inquire about Martin SWCD's Rain
Barrel or Rain Garden Programs.
- Remember - Slowing the stormwater
down, keeping it off of hard surfaces, and allowing it to infiltrate
through as much soil as possible will greatly improve the quality of
our streams and our groundwater.
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