| Water
Pollution Fact #4: |
Failing
septic systems pollute. Untreated wastewater from failing septic
systems can contaminate nearby streams, drinking water sources,
and bays. Inspect your septic system every 3-5 years.
Pump as needed. |
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| Water
Pollution Fact #5: |
Soap
from washing your car at home pollutes. Soap and dirt from
washing your car can flow through our storm drains and ditches
and end up in our streams untreated.
Wash your
car at a commercial car wash, on the grass, or on a graveled
area. |
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| Water
Pollution Fact #6: |
Soap
from charity car washes can pollute if not handled properly.
Many charity car washes use available alternatives to prevent
dirty, soapy water from going down the storm drain. Commercial
car wash water goes to the sewer and is treated. Hold your charity
car wash at a commercial car wash with a charity car wash program. |
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| Water
Pollution Fact #7: |
Oil
and antifreeze from leaking cars pollutes. When it rains, water
runs over the ground and picks up oil, antifreeze, and other
pollutants and carries them to our streams and bays.
Put a drip tray under your car to catch car leaks.
Fix car leaks. |
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| Water
Pollution Fact #8: |
Garden
and lawn chemicals pollute.
Pull weeds by hand.
Avoid use of chemicals. If necessary, use sparingly and as directed.
Call for information on alternatives to weed and bug killers. |
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| Water
Pollution Fact #9: |
Household
cleaners and chemicals can pollute. Cleaners and chemicals used
or disposed of outside can end up in our streams and bays. These
same cleaners and chemicals can cause harm to septic systems
and wastewater treatment plants. Contact - The Open Line for
alternatives to household cleaners and chemicals. |
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| Water
Pollution Fact #10: |
Pet waste pollutes our water.
Scoop, double bag, and throw pet waste in the garbage.
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| Water
Pollution Fact #11: |
Waste
from livestock pollutes our water. When it rains, water runs
over fields and pastures and can carry harmful bacteria from
livestock waste to streams and provides unwanted fertilizer
in streams. Compost livestock waste. Fence livestock from stream
access. Contact Erie Soil and Water Conservation District at
419-626-5211 for assistance and alternatives. |
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| Water
Pollution Fact #12: |
Driveways and walkways can be sources of water pollution. Oil,
antifreeze, and other pollutants can collect on your driveway.
If you hose down the driveway, the water carries all these pollutants
to the streams. Sweep your driveway and walkways instead of
hosing down. Use apple vinegar to kill moss on driveways and
walkways. |
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| Water
Pollution Fact #13: |
Lawn
clippings and yard waste in ravines and ponds can become unwanted
fertilizer for streams. Too much plant growth in streams can
use up all the oxygen and kill fish and aquatic life. Compost
your yard waste. Use a mulching mower. |
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| Water
Pollution Fact #14: |
Too
much soil in runoff can pollute. Soil from erosion carries pollutants
and buries habitat needed for macroinvertabrates and fish spawning.
Plant vegetation on or cover bare ground. Cover piles of soil.
Fence livestock from stream access. |
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| Water
Pollution Fact #15: |
Sewage
from boating can pollute. Untreated sewage is a significant
risk to human health and wildlife. While boating, treat and
dispose of your sewage properly. Pump your waste holding tanks
at pump-out facilities. Properly maintain marine sanitation
device hoses to prevent clogging and unnecessary odors. |
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| Water
Pollution Fact #16: |
Boat
and engine maintenance can pollute. Toxic chemicals, oils, cleaners,
and paint scrapings from boat maintenance can make their way
into the water. Complete any maintenance involving paints, solvents,
or sanding with the boat pulled out of and away from the water.
Pick-up, don't rinse-off. Use drop cloths, drip pans and vacuums
to collect and contain paint, fluids and scrapings associated
with maintenance projects. Use less toxic or non-toxic cleaning
alternatives. Use oil absorbent pillows or pads in your bilge
to soak up oil. Use anti-fouling paints with caution and according
to the manufacturer's directions. Contact the Ohio Sea Grant
Clean Marinas Program at 419.609.4120 for information and classes
on clean boating and boating maintenance. |
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| Water
Pollution Fact #17: |
Oil
and antifreeze pollute our water when disposed of improperly.
Oil and antifreeze that are spilled during maintenance or are
dumped on the ground can be carried by runoff to our streams
and bays. Clean up small spills with rags. For larger spills,
use absorbent kitty litter and sweep it up with a broom.
Use drip pans when unclipping hoses, unscrewing filters, or
removing other parts. Recycle used oil and antifreeze. Visit
the Erie County Department of Environmental Services website
to find out how, what and where to recycle!! |
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| Water
Pollution Fact #18: |
Waste
from household repairs can pollute our water. Contractors and
service people must properly dispose of chemicals and water
used during their work. Make sure contractors you hire dispose
of chemicals properly. Request use of non-toxic products. |
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| Water
Pollution Fact #19: |
Littering
pollutes. Litter thrown on the ground can end up in our storm
drains, ditches, and streams. Throw all litter in appropriate
trash cans. Keep litter out of pick up truck beds and cover
loads so items aren't blown off to the ground. Recycle and reuse
items whenever possible. |
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Pollution Fact #20: |
The
things we do everyday contribute to over half the pollution
in Lake Erie. Litter thrown on the ground can end up in our
storm drains, ditches, streams and ultimately Lake Erie. Wash
your car at a commercial car wash, on the grass, or a graveled
area. Pull weeds manually or use chemicals sparingly and as
directed. Scoop, double bag, and throw pet waste in the garbage.
Inspect your septic system regularly and pump it as needed.
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