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Financially-Supporting Communities
City of Fort Wayne, IN
City of Lima, OH
City of Bowling Green, OH
City of Defiance, OH
City of Perrysburg, OH
City of New Haven, IN
Town of Leo-Cedarville, IN
Village of Paulding, OH
In-Kind Contributors
City of Hillsdale, MI
City of Toledo, OH
Upcoming Events
Next Meeting:
MRBPLG Conference
October 20, 2011
Findlay, OH
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES FOR RESIDENTS
In many communities within the Maumee River Basin, water that does down the stormdrain is directed to a nearby stream or river. That means that pollutants such as excess lawn fertilizer, detergents from washing your vehicle, pet waste, or other materials are washed off of your lawn during rain events and go directly into the stream where you may fish or your children may play.
No matter the size of your home or yard, there are things that you can do to reduce the amount of pollutants that reach nearby streams, rivers, or lakes, including:
Disconnect your downspouts and direct rooftop water to a rain barrel or a rain garden. This water can be utilized for flower beds or indoor houseplants during dry weather. By using the stored water, you can save money by not using the water from the tap or hose.
Wash your vehicle at a commercial washing facility where the dirty water is sent to a wastewater treatment plant. If you choose to wash your vehicle at home, do so in a grassy area where the excess water will be utilized by the vegetation and the pollutants will be filtered out as the water passes through the soil.
Pick up your pet waste. Waste is best disposed of in the toilet where it will directed to a wastewater treatment plant. Waste can also be disposed of in the trash.
Compost landscape clippings. This compost can be utilized later in flowerbeds to provide valuable nutrients to your plants. This will reduce the need for fertilizers and soil amendments while also keeping the clippings from breaking down in the streams and causing low oxygen levels in the water. These low oxygen levels can be fatal to the fish and insects that live in the water.
Install pervious concrete, asphalt, or pavers. If you plan to install or replace an existing patio, driveway, or sidewalk consider pervious materials that allow the water to pass through and be absorbed and filtered by the soil.
