Earth Month Tip #3 – Prevent Water Pollution

From the City of Seattle
Earth Day April 22, 2007

Earth Month serves to remind us that we need to continue to take daily steps to keep our city and our planet healthy and environmentally sustainable. Seattle Public Utilities offers the following tips to keep our waterways clean:

Go Natural! Use lawn and garden chemicals sparingly or use organic alternatives. Whatever you put on your lawn could find its way to a stream. Northwest Natural Yard Days, April 15 – May 15, offers deep discounts on products for environmentally-friendly gardening. Don't miss out! For a list of participating retailers, visit the Northwest Yard Days website or call (206) 633-0224.

Go Native! When gardening, choose native plants that require fewer chemicals and less watering. For free native plant advice, call the Natural Lawn and Garden Hotline at (206) 633-0224.

Don't Dump anything into storm drains. Storm drains often drain directly to local lakes and streams.

Report Water Pollution! Call the Water Quality Hotline at (206) 684-7587 if you see oil sheens, soap or other pollutants in local waterways.

Volunteer to stencil storm drains in your neighborhood with the message, “Dump No Waste: Drains to Stream, Lake or Bay,” by calling (206) 684-7624.

Salmon-Friendly Car Wash! Did you know that soap is highly toxic to fish? Take your car to a car wash that recycles its water. Or, wash your car on the lawn or gravel. Use soaps without phosphates.

Keep Your Car Well-maintained. Fix oil leaks and recycle oil and other car fluids.

Scoop Your Poop! Always carry a plastic bag with you when walking your dog and place the waste in the trash. Dispose of cat litter in a garbage bag as well.

Be a Creek Steward! Volunteer to help care for a section of Seattle’s urban creeks. Find out more at Be a Creek Steward website.

Prevent Septic Leaks by keeping your system maintained.

Check your Heating Oil Tank! Every year, heating oil from leaking tanks finds its way into our local waterways. Insure your heating oil tank for FREE! For more information, visit the Pollution Liability Insurance Agency.

Sweep. Use a broom instead of a hose when cleaning driveways and sidewalks.

For a list of other great steps to make Seattle and Planet Earth a better place to live, visit the Green Seattle Guide