Let’s take a moment to think about some of our regular activities like walking our dogs, working in the yard or washing our cars…and the impact it may have on our watershed.
Pet waste contains bacteria, parasites, viruses and nutrients that wash directly into storm sewers, area streams and rivers, and right to Lake Erie during rain events – all of which impacts human health and the environment. When walking your pet, just make sure to bring a bag, clean up the waste, and then dispose of it in a trash receptacle. At home you can set a schedule to clearn your yard once a day or every other day – especially before a rain event.
Grass clippings or fertilizer granules on your driveway or in the street wash directly into nearby catch basins and streams, where they decompose and cause pollution (nitrogen) at unsafe levels for fish and other aquatic life.
Fertilize when there is no rain in the forecast and use only what is needed. Don’t over fertilize. Immediately sweep any granulated chemicals off hard surfaces and put back onto your lawn. Consider an organic alternative to your fertilizer.
Use a mulching lawn mower to retain and spread clippings on your lawn. The clippings decompose quickly and provide a nutrient rich organic layer on your soil that encourages infiltration of storm water. Be sure to sweep up any grass clippings off the driveway and street that may get away from you during mowing.
Raise your mower height. Taller grass will produce a deeper and denser root system which slows the rate of runoff and can help prevent erosion. Deeper roots have access to more water stored in the ground and can reduce irrigation need during droughts. You may even notice fewer weeds using this practice.
If mulching is not possible for you, bag your clippings and start a compost pile with your yard waste and leaves, or properly dispose of them with your curbside pickup or a registered compost facility.
When washing your car consider using a car wash facility. The wash water is drained to a sanitary sewer where it can be treated before released to Lake Erie.
Use your lawn – washing your vehicle in grass prevents the dirty water and soapy water from running straight into storm drains and local waterways.
Take advantage of your free community yard waste collection service running now through the second full week of December. Any questions regarding yard waste pickup can be directed to the City of Mentor’s Public Works Department at (440) 974-5780 or pubworks@cityofmentor.com.
These storm water tips are brought to you by the Lake County General Health District and City of Mentor Engineering Department. For more information, contact the City of Mentor at (440) 974-5785.