There are lots of individual actions which can make a difference in the quality of our lakes, rivers, streams, and oceans. Most of these changes involve yard care and small actions around the house. Another category includes reducing our reliance on the automobile, which is, as you know (see accompanying article), a serious contributor to non-point source pollution. Both yard care and the automobile can directly affect water quality, because our yards and roads are often linked to surface waters via storm sewers, which typically drain directly into bodies of water without any form of treatment. Here’s how you can improve water through changes in yard care:
1. Use native and diverse plant species whenever possible. (Visit a local nursery which is known to have expertise in native plants and landscape design.) A natural lawn mimics the native plant community and reduces or eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides — all of which end up in surface waters as a result of storm water run-off. As a side benefit, you’ll also have less watering and mowing to worry about.
2. Consider reducing the size of your lawn by returning portions of it to its natural state.
3. Avoid use of lawn fertilizers. (Often, fertilizer is unnecessary because the soil already has sufficient nutrients.) If you think you need to apply fertilizer, have your soil tested for nutrient deficiencies. If you must use fertilizer, use as little as possible; look for organic fertilizers; and make sure the fertilizer stays on the lawn and is not left on the driveway or sidewalk where it can be washed into the storm sewer.
4. To reduce the need for fertilizer, cut grass more often and allow for smaller clippings; and leave them on the lawn to decompose, providing nitrogen and other nutrients. It is a misconception that leaving clipping on the lawn can build up thatch — in fact, grass clippings decompose quickly. (By the way, using a manual, push-type lawnmower further reduces pollution.) If you must collect or rake-up grass clippings, use them as mulch in the garden or around trees and shrubs, or compost them. Over time, a pile of small quantities of grass clippings, leaves, and vegetable scraps from the kitchen will become a free source of nutrient-rich soil.
5. Water your lawn less often. Over-watering can result in run-off of soil particles and other nutrients. And by not watering during every dry spell, you encourage the grass to reach deeper with its roots for water.
6. Make sure dead leaves are mulched or picked up by your municipality for composting each fall. (Guidelines for pick-up of leaves and brush vary, so please consult your village, town, or city Streets Department.) You can also build your own compost pile. Whatever you do, prevent the leaves from being blown into the street where they may be washed into the stormsewer.
7. Control or slow storm water run-off by directing gutter down-spouts onto your lawn or gravel rather than onto hard, impermeable surfaces such as driveways and sidewalks.
8. Cover bare soil with native plants (contact a local nursery for suggestions) or with a mulch of rocks, gravel, or bark. If you are working in your garden, avoid leaving the soil exposed to rainfall or wind by planting it or covering it. Reduce erosion by keeping slopes as flat as possible, or by building terraces or retaining walls.
9. Avoid pesticide, insecticide, and herbicide use whenever possible. These chemical treatments can harm beneficial plants and insects, birds, pets, and even people. Instead, try "integrated pest management" which relies on nature’s own ecosystem to keep pests and weeds in control. If your lawn was formerly treated with chemicals, it may take some time for friendly insects and microorganisms to return — be patient.
10. Enjoy dandelions, and other "weeds" rather than trying to eliminate them. If you must have a pristine lawn, accept the fact that it will require physical work to remove unwanted plants.
11. Dispose of pet waste by burying it six inches deep (in an area separate from your vegetable garden), or collect feces and flush them down the toilet. Do not leave animal feces where they can be washed into the storm sewer, and into the nearest body of water.
How you can improve water quality through your transportation:
1. Never let oil, antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, or detergents or chemicals of any kind drain down the storm sewer.
2. Avoid putting batteries in your trash as they can leak acids. Instead, use rechargeable batteries and take expended non-rechargeable batteries to a recycling center.
3. Wash your car on your lawn or some other permeable surface so that the water, soap, and dirt particles are absorbed by soil rather than washed into the storm sewer.
4. Reduce your use of the automobile. Instead, carpool or use mass transit whenever possible. The fewer vehicles on the road, the less their contamination — through paint and rust chips, exhaust particles, and air and noise pollution. Less use of automobiles will also reduce the need for paved surfaces on which to drive or park those vehicles. As a result, parking lots and roads can be smaller and we can leave more of the land for vegetation to control and absorb storm water run-off.
5. If you must have a paved driveway or parking area, include grassy or gravel buffer strips to slow and absorb water run-off.
— Brian Lavendel
Resources: Contact American PIE (Public Information on the Environment) at 800/320-APIE for details on these and other actions you can use to reduce non-point source pollution and improve our natural environment.
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