There are many things we can do to help keep pollution out of our streams and ocean. Here are some good habits to adopt in your daily routine that are kinder and gentler to the environment. And remember: “Nothing but rain down the drain!”
Individuals & Families
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Dispose of Cooking Oil and Grease Properly
Once cooled, used cooking oil and grease should be mixed into absorbent material and thrown in the trash – never poured down your kitchen drain. Oil in sewer pipes can lead to clogs which in turn can cause sewage to leak into our water supply, streams or the ocean.
Check Your Septic Tank
If you have a septic system, check that it is working properly on a regular basis. Survey the ground around the septic tank for any leaks or pooling of sewage, and make sure all lids are tightly affixed. If something seems to be malfunctioning, contact your local septic tank maintenance company right away to have it checked.
Handle and Dispose of Household Chemicals Safely
Always store and dispose of household chemical products – such as cleaning products, bug sprays, paints, solvents, motor oil and other auto fluids – properly and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Minimize their exposure to rain and direct sunlight, and don’t pour them on the ground or into roadway gutters or storm drains.
Pick Up After Your Pet
Just one gram of dog poo can contain over 23 million fecal coliform bacteria, which can cause disease in humans and other animals. Be sure to bag your pet’s waste and dispose of it in the trash.