Conserve and Maintain Water Quality from Your Yard

Consider these tips to help conserve water and prevent water contamination in our yards.

It’s spring and most of us are staying home as we practice social distancing. Chances are people are spending much more time out and about in their yards. Here are five easy ways we can improve our outdoor spaces and prevent water waste and contamination.

Be Mindful of What You’re Planting

Approximately one-third of residential water use goes towards lawn and garden care. Instead of maintaining a lawn, which need large amounts of water, try planting flowers and bushes native to the area. These species have adapted to regional rainfall and will foster healthier soil and insect life. 

Beware of Over-Fertilizing

Not only can over fertilization damage plants, but excess fertilizer can also travel through storm drains to large bodies of water, harming fish and other marine life. 

Stay Away from Weed Killer

Harmful chemicals from weed killer also leach into our waterways and can pose a danger to both humans and wildlife. The chemical spray also harms beneficial insects and organisms. Try making your own weed killer using natural ingredients like vinegar, lemons, essential oils, and boiling water.

Protect Your Drains

Adding plants, gravel, stones, or wood around outside drains helps catch trash and other polluters picked up by stormwater runoff before it travels down the gutter and into our lakes or streams. 

Pick Up Pet Waste

Leaving your dog’s poop on your or your neighbor’s lawn is not only rude, but it also contributes to water pollution. Scooping up pet waste keeps bacteria from running into storm drains and water supplies. The best option for pet waste disposal is to pick it up with a recycled-plastic or compostable pet waste bag and throw it in the trash.