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Are You Watershed Friendly?
By Steve Tonn, Douglas/Sarpy Extension Educator

If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, you could be contributing to the pollution of the lake. Remember, whatever is dripping or tossed on streets, parking lots, sidewalks, and driveways eventually finds its way into the storm drains. All storm drains lead directly to your local lake. Unlike wastewater treatment plants, storm drains do NOT treat the water before it is discharged- what goes in, comes out!

Do you….

• Use extra amounts of fertilizer and pesticides to ensure they’ll work—and then over water the lawn? Do you leave excess fertilizer and pesticides lying on your sidewalks and driveways?
   
• Hose down the driveway to clean oil spills, grease, dirt and excess fertilizer?
   
• Wash your car and truck and throw the soapy water in the street or gutter?
   
• Dump your dirty water in the street after cleaning your carpets, floors or upholstery?
   
• Wash your paintbrushes in the street gutter after the job is done?
   
•  Allow your pool or spa to drain into the street?
   
• Toss leftover paints, pesticides, and cleaners down the storm drain?
   
• Leave fishing lines and hooks behind when they break?
   
• Toss cigarette butts and packages on the ground?
   
•  Let your dog run off leash in the neighborhood or at the lake? Leave pet waste lying on the ground?
   
• Dump used motor oil, antifreeze, used automotive products down the storm drain?
   
• Do you blow grass clippings into the street gutter?