Few people would rinse a can of paint out in the water at their local beach, but the impact is the same if paint, oil and other toxic chemicals are dumped into storm drains. Waste that is spilled onto driveways and other paved surfaces can also be a problem when it is washed into the stormwater sytem by rain and melting snow.

Yard and household waste

Household and yard waste can impact local water quality

Household hazardous waste, used engine oil, yard waste and debris from home repair and remodeling can wreak havoc on our local lakes and rivers. Visit Rethink Recycling to learn how to properly dispose of these and other items.

Swimming pool and hot tub water

Water from swimming pools and hot tubs may be great in your back yard, but the chlorine can be deadly to fish and aquatic plants and animals in nearby water bodies. At the end of the summer, add a de-chlorinating agent to your pool water before emptying it into the storm sewer. You can also leave the pool uncovered for about a week to allow the chlorine to break down naturally. If at all possible, dump the water on your lawn or in a vegetated area so that it can soak into the ground instead of flowing directly to the storm sewer.