Yard and Lawn Care, Fertilizers and Pesticides

Yard and gardening wastes are among the many common stormwater pollutants that can degrade water quality. Stormwater runoff from yard maintenance has been found to contain high concentrations of organic wastes, fertilizers, pesticides, and soil that can leave your property. When these materials wash into local waters they poison fish and contaminate the water. Grass clippings, leaves, and tree trimmings swept or blown into streets and gutters carry chemicals into our waterways and can clog the storm drain system, increasing the risk of flooding. Once they settle into water bodies, these materials begin to decompose, absorbing oxygen fish need to survive. Soil and dirt washed from yards can also harm aquatic life by clogging the gills of fish, blocking light transmission, lowering water temperatures, and inhibiting photosynthesis.
What can I do?
Use Best Management Practices (BMPs)!
BMPs are
techniques or controls used to prevent or reduce the discharge of
pollutants, such as fertilizers and pesticides and irrigation runoff, into the stormwater
conveyance system also known as the storm drain system.
Integrated
Pest Management or (IPM) is an excellent way to handle unwanted
insects in your garden.
Helpful Information and Documents:
Tips | Consejos Útiles:
- Irrigation Runoff | Escorrentía de la Irrigación
- Soil and Sediment | Tierra y Sedimento
- Yard Drainage | Drenaje del Jardín
- Fertilizers | Fertilizantes
- Pesticides | Pesticidas
- Check After You Mow | Revise Después de Cortar su Césped
- Pet Waste | Desechos de Mascotas
- Pet Waste Doo Points | Excrementos de sus Perros
- Trash and Green Waste | Basura y Desechos Vegetales