Clean Water Tips

Here are some easy options you can keep your watershed healthy this fall.

Clean up pet wastewalking dog

Pet waste quickly winds up in lakes and streams, carried untreated through storm sewer pipes. Yuck!

  • Keep up with yard cleaning, especially when warm weather is in the forecast.
  • Keep your community clean by picking up your pet’s waste when you are on walks.

 

Keep Leaves Out of the Street

Leaves and other yard waste are some of the most significant contributors to phosphorus pollution in our lakes, rivers, and streams. Water bodies with more phosphorus make an ideal environment for algae, and the pollutant reduces oxygen in the water that native fish need to live. Make sure to mulch or rake your leaves to prevent them from entering the street, where they often end up in drains that lead directly to your neighborhood waters.

Adopt A Drain

Show your favorite area lake, river, or stream some love and protect it from runoff pollution. Only 15 minutes twice a month can lead to reduced phosphorus, chloride, and other pollutants in local waters. Learn more and sign up at adopt-a-drain.org

 

For more tips and stories of residents in your community working for clean water, visit cleanwatermn.org.