What can I do to reduce the amount of stormwater pollution I contribute?
  • If you own a car, maintain it so it does not leak oil or other fluids. Be sure to wash it on the grass or at a car wash so the dirt and soap do not flow down the driveway and into the nearest storm drain.
  • If you own a yard, do not over fertilize your grass. Never apply fertilizers or pesticides before a heavy rain. If fertilizer falls onto driveways or sidewalks, sweep it up instead of hosing it away. Mulch leaves and grass clippings and place leaves in the yard at the curb, not in the street. Doing this keeps leaves out of the gutter, where they can wash into the nearest storm drain. Turn your gutter downspouts away from hard surfaces, seed bare spots in your yard to avoid erosion and consider building a rain garden in low-lying areas of your lawn, and practice Xeriscape when applicable.
  • If you have a septic system, maintain it properly by having it pumped every three to five years. If it is an older system, be sure it can still handle the volume placed on it today. Never put chemicals down septic systems, they can harm the system and seep into the groundwater.
  • Pet owners should pick up after their pets and dispose of pet waste in the garbage.
  • Keep lawn and household chemicals tightly sealed and in a place where rain cannot reach them. Dispose of old or unwanted chemicals at household hazardous waste collections sites or events.
  • Never put anything in a storm drain.
  • Don't litter.

Show All Answers

1. What is Nonpoint Source Pollution (NPS)?
2. What are the effects of these pollutants on our waters?
3. What causes nonpoint source pollution (NPS)?
4. What can we do about nonpoint source pollution?
5. What can I do to reduce the amount of stormwater pollution I contribute?
6. How else can I help reduce stormwater pollution in my area?
7. If I notice a foreign substance flowing into or see someone pouring something into a storm drain inlet, what should I do?
8. I see people dumping their used oil into storm drains all the time. What can I do?
9. What happens if I see a neighbor or know someone who's throwing trash into a storm drain?
10. I have some paint/thinners/chemicals at home that need to be disposed of; where can I take these?
11. What kind of educational programs or informational materials are available about stormwater?
12. I have often seen stencils over storm drains and conveyances. How do I get a stencil for a stormwater structure(s) near me?
13. What is the City of Abilene doing about illegal dumping?
14. How can I be environmentally responsible when washing my car?
15. Grass, yard clippings and leaves are natural, so they don't cause any problems, right?