Protect Arlington's Creek from Common Pollutants

In the summer of 1998, nature reminded us that water is a precious resource, not to be taken for granted. The summer rain or the lack of it was the topic of many conversations and news broadcasts. But what happens to rain when it hits the ground? It flows to the storm drainage system and enters our creeks. Any excess material, such as pesticides or fertilizers, left on streets or lawns can be washed away during a rainstorm. These materials become pollutants of our creeks, rivers and lakes.

You can prevent water pollution by the way you do things around your home.

Pesticides and Fertilizers

Texas homeowners pour about four million pounds of pesticides on their lawns and gardens each year. More pesticides per square inch are applied to a typical yard than to the most intensely sprayed farmland. An estimated one-third of the pesticides used at homes is wasted because more is used than is needed. 

• RAIN will wash recently applied chemicals off the yard, so do not apply any chemicals if rain is predicted.

• SWEEP any yard chemicals off paved surfaces 

• READ the label instructions before applying any chemical product. 

• SPOT TREAT only areas of pest damage instead of treating the whole yard. 

• FIRE ANTS can be controlled, and may be eliminated, by using one of the ant baits. 

• INSECTICIDAL SOAP is an alternative to traditional pesticides. 

• SLOW RELEASE FERTILIZER does not have to be applied as frequently and the risk from burning your grass is reduced.

General Lawn Care

• DON'T BAG IT. Let grass clippings drop to the lawn. Leaving grass clippings on the lawn all summer is  equivalent to one application of fertilizer.

• SWEEP THEM UP. Leaves and grass clippings left on streets or other paved surfaces will enter our creeks. Shrub and tree prunings may be bundled in four-foot lengths and placed on the curb for pickup by the disposal company.

• COMPOST. Grass clippings, yard waste and kitchen waste may be composted.

• MULCH. Mulch is any organic material such as wood chips, grass clippings, leaves and compost, which may be used around flowerbeds, plants and trees. Mulching will help decrease water use and block weeds.

• FALL LEAVES. Leaves in quantities too great to be mulched on the lawn may be composted or bagged for the curb pickup