Handy Hints to Help Prevent Nonpoint Source Water Pollution

You can help prevent storm water pollution. Any material left on the streets or lawns can be carried away during a rainstorm. These pollutants are then washed to our creeks, rivers, and lakes.

You can make a difference today by preventing pollutants from being washed off your yard and into Arlington's creeks and streams.

Pesticides and Fertilizers and General Lawn Care

• Do not apply pesticides or fertilizers if rain is forecasted.
  
• Avoid leaving fertilizers or pesticides on walks and driveways where they can be easily washed into storm drains. Sweep up and use on yard.
  
• Use slow release fertilizers.
  
• If chemical controls for pests are required, try an insecticidal soap, since it is less toxic than conventional insecticides.
  
• Use recommended amounts only. Read label instructions.
  
• When using liquid fertilizers or pesticides, make only as much solution as needed.
  
• Dispose of pesticides properly. Don't pour them down household drains, toilets, or storm drains. If you have any left over, share with a neighbor.
  
• Don't bag it, the grass clippings left on the lawn can add nutrients.
  
• Sweep up grass clippings or leaves instead of leaving them in the street or on the sidewalk.
  
• Start a compost pile-a great way to turn kitchen waste, leaves, and grass into fertilizer.

Car Care

• When washing your car, be careful not to allow the soap to flow into the street. You may want to wash the car on the grass or take it to a commercial car wash.
  
• When changing any of your car fluids, collect them and take them to the Environmental Collection Center, 817-871-5857, at 6400 Bridge Street, Fort Worth, Texas.
  
• Repair any leaks as soon as possible. Use absorbent materials (such as kitty litter or sand) to dry up puddles of car fluids. Absorbent material then can be double bagged in plastic for disposal in the trash.

General

• Clean up pet waste in your yard each day.
  
• Repair household sewer leaks immediately.
  
• If you store any materials outside, be sure to cover them.
  
• Don't wash paint brushes or other paint utensils outside. Utensils used with latex paint may be washed in the sink. Old paint can be taken to the Environmental Collection Center, 817-871-5257, at 6400 Bridge Street, Fort Worth, Texas.
  
• Left over pesticides, fertilizers or other household hazardous wastes should be taken to the Environmental Collection Center, 817-871-5257, at 6400 Bridge Street, Fort Worth, Texas.

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