Storm drains found in our streets and yards empty into our lakes and rivers. When we fertilize our lawn we could also be fertilizing our lakes and rivers. While fertilizer is good for our lawn, it’s bad for our water. Fertilizer in our lakes and rivers causes algae to grow. Algae can form large blooms and use oxygen that fish need to survive. With 1.5 million homes in Southeast Michigan, all of us need to be aware of the cumulative affects of our lawn care practices.

Seven (7) simple steps to protect our lakes & streams

1. Help keep pollution out of storm drains. Storm drains lead directly to our lakes and streams. Never dump oil, pet waste, leaves, dirty water, or anything down a storm drain. Remember, only rain in the drain.

2. Fertilize caringly and sparingly. Excess fertilizer that gets into storm drains pollutes our lakes by causing large algae blooms and using up oxygen fish need to survive. Sweep excess fertilizer back onto your lawn, use a low or no phosphorus fertilizer, and have your soil tested to see what, if any, fertilizer is needed.

3. Carefully store and dispose of household cleaners, chemicals, and oil. Instead of putting hazardous products like antifreeze, motor oil, and pesticides in the trash, down the storm drain, or on the ground, take them to a local hazardous waste collection day.

4. Clean up after your pet. Whether on a walk or in your yard, promptly clean up after your pet. Not only will be you a good neighbour, you will also protect our water from harmful bacteria.

5. Practice good car care. Consider taking your car to a car wash or washing your car on the grass.

6. Choose earth friendly landscaping. Protect your pets, kids, and the environment by using pesticides sparingly. Also, water your lawn only when it needs it and choose plants native to Michigan.

7. Save water. Over watering our lawns can easily carry pollution to the storm drains and to our lakes and streams. Consider using a broom instead of a hose to clean sidewalks and driveways. Direct hoses and sprinklers on the lawn, not the driveway. This will help save our lakes and streams and save you money.

For more easy steps on protecting our lakes and streams, visit www.semcog.org.

Remember, our water is our future – and it’s ours to protect!