Storm drains
Storm drains exist for rainwater only. Dumping waste into storm drains, ditches, or waterways contaminates drinking water supplies, recreational areas, and wildlife habitat. Plus, it is illegal! If you see illegal dumping,
report it right away. You will help prevent further water contamination and reduce potential clean-up costs.
You may also call the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment Emergency Alert System at 800.292.4706 to report illegal dumping. For hazardous or flammable spills, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Car maintenance
Keeping your car well maintained prevents oil, antifreeze, and other polluting fluids from leaking onto the pavement and into the storm drains.
If you do your own car maintenance, never dump motor oil, antifreeze, or any other chemicals on the lawn or pavement. Instead, recycle your spent automotive fluids.
If you spill motor oil or other fluids, do not hose the spill into the gutter or ditch. Spread kitty litter to absorb the spill, then sweep it up and put it in the trash.
Clean up after your pet
Picking up pet waste keeps the yard clean and the neighbors happy! It also protects local waterways. Pet waste left on the ground washes into creeks, rivers, and lakes through storm drains. Bacteria in pet feces compromise water quality, reduce recreational opportunities, and contaminate drinking water supplies. Take a minute to pick up after your pet and dispose of the waste properly.
Clean paint brushes in the sink
Cleaning of brushes used with water-based paint (latex) should be done in the sink, not outdoors. If you have a small amount of paint left in the can, dry it out with cat litter, “oil-dry” or other absorbent, securely reattach the lid, and place the sealed can in your refuse cart.
Dispose of hazardous products properly
For information on disposing of home toxics, computers, televisions, electronics, and batteries, please visit our
Home Toxics Recycling page.
Feeding your lawn
Choosing phosphorus-free fertilizer, the kind with "0" as its middle number, keeps excess phosphorus out of our waterways. Phosphorus is naturally abundant in the soils of southeast Michigan. Excess phosphorus promotes rapid and severe algae growth that can kill fish and crowd out beneficial plants. Phosphorus-free products are readily available from local retailers. In Ann Arbor, an ordinance prohibits the sale and use of fertilizers containing phosphorus unless a need for the nutrient is demonstrated through a soil test.
Compost grass clippings and leaves
Grass clippings and leaves can clog storm sewers and add excess nutrients to our waters. Compost your leaves and grass clippings at
home, and use the compost to enrich and condition your soil. Alternatively, purchase an
optional compost cart and put out for curbside collection during the spring, summer and fall.
Plant a tree (or several)
The
urban forest canopy intercepts rainfall, delaying the onset of peak stormwater flows and reducing the total amount of runoff that reaches urban waterways. Trees also slow stormwater runoff and promote groundwater infiltration.
Rain gardens, rain barrels, and other best practices
Capturing stormwater at the source keeps it out of the storm drain system and allows it to be used on site for irrigation or to infiltrate slowly into the ground. There are many options for stormwater best management practices that are both practical and attractive. Some BMPs may also qualify you for a stormwater rate credit.
