Here are some easy options you can keep your watershed healthy this spring and summer.

Manage lawn runoff

Chemical fertilizers, herbicides, and over-watering are major causes of runoff pollution.

• Mow high. Keep your grass at least 3 inches tall in the summer. Relatively long grass retains moisture, resists weeds, and holds soil in place. Be sure to sweep up any grass clippings that wind up in the street.
• Sprinkle sparingly. Healthy grass only needs an inch or less of water per week, so be sure not to over-water. If you use a sprinkler or irrigation system, water during early morning or evening hours when temperatures are cool.
• Consider turf alternatives. Low maintenance fescue or pollinator-friendly mixes provide environmental benefits and can be easier to care for than traditional turfgrass. Visit the Blue Thumb website to learn more.

Clean up pet waste

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

• Keep up with yard cleaning, especially when rain is in the forecast.
• Keep your community clean by picking up your pet’s waste when you are on walks.
• If you don’t have a dog, consider helping out an elderly neighbor with the waste in their yard.

Clear debris from storm drains

Leaves, grass clipping and other residential waste contributes excess nutrients that can harm water quality in local lakes and streams. Please help keep storm drains clean, and consider adopting a drain in your neighborhood.

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