Keep storm drains for rainwater only
Dumping waste into storm drains, ditches, or waterways contaminates drinking water supplies, recreational areas, and wildlife habitat. Plus, it is illegal! If you see illegal dumping, report it right away. You will help prevent further water contamination and reduce potential clean-up costs.
Report dumping, spills, or construction site runoff to the stormwater system via the Citizen Request System (CRS), and choose "spills of material in street, drain, or creek" from the dropdown menu in step 2.
You may also call the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment Emergency Alert System at 1-800-292-4706 to report illegal dumping. For hazardous or flammable spills, call 911 immediately.
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Wash your car on the lawn
Washing your car on the lawn keeps dirty water off the pavement and out of the storm drain. Your lawn will soak up the water and your grass will break down the soap, absorbing any phosphate it contains.
Better yet, consider a commercial car wash. Commercial car wash facilities are required by law to send their wastewater to a treatment plant.
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Keep your car well maintained
Keeping your car well maintained prevents oil, antifreeze, and other polluting fluids from leaking onto the pavement and into the storm drains.
- If you do your own car maintenance, never dump motor oil, antifreeze, or any other chemicals on the lawn or pavement. Instead, recycle your spent automotive fluids.
- If you spill motor oil or other fluids, do not hose the spill into the gutter or ditch. Spread kitty litter to absorb the spill, then sweep it up and put it in the trash.
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Clean up after your pet
Picking up pet waste keeps the yard clean and the neighbors happy! It also protects local waterways. Pet waste left on the ground washes into creeks, rivers, and lakes through storm drains. Bacteria in pet feces compromise water quality, reduce recreational opportunities, and contaminate drinking water supplies. Take a minute to pick up after your pet and dispose of the waste properly.
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Clean paint brushes in the sink
Cleaning of brushes used with water-based paint (latex) should be done in the sink, not outdoors. If you have a small amount of paint left in the can, dry it out with cat litter, “oil-dry” or other absorbent, securely reattach the lid, and place the sealed can in your refuse cart.
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Dispose of hazardous products properly
Household products that are labeled as poisonous, flammable, explosive, or caustic - such as pesticides, solvents, and oil-based paints - should never be emptied into the sink or storm drain, poured on the ground, or placed in the trash where they will be landfilled and potentially end up leaking into our groundwater. Dispose of these materials responsibly, share leftover materials with others to use up, and consider purchasing less toxic materials in the future.
- Limited quantities of used motor oil, motor oil filters, and household rechargeable batteries are accepted through the Curbside Toxics Collection program. Place these materials outside and next to your curbside recycling bins. These three materials are also accepted at Recycle Ann Arbor's Drop-Off Station.
- Take other leftover, unwanted toxic products in their original containers to the Washtenaw County Home Toxics Center at 705 North Zeeb Road; Phone for hours (734) 222-3950.
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Use phosphorus-free lawn fertilizer
Choosing phosphorus-free fertilizer, the kind with "0" as its middle number, keeps excess phosphorus out of our waterways. Phosphorus is naturally abundant in the soils of southeast Michigan. Excess phosphorus promotes rapid and severe algae growth that can kill fish and crowd out beneficial plants. Phosphorus-free products are readily available from local retailers. In Ann Arbor, an ordinance prohibits the sale and use of fertilizers containing phosphorus unless a need for the nutrient is demonstrated through a soil test.
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Compost grass clippings and leaves
Grass clippings and leaves can clog storm sewers and add excess nutrients to our waters. Compost your leaves and grass clippings, and use the compost to enrich and condition your soil. Alternatively, put your compostables to the curb for collection.
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Plant a tree (or several)
The urban forest canopy intercepts rainfall, delaying the onset of peak stormwater flows and reducing the total amount of runoff that reaches urban waterways. Trees also slow stormwater runoff and promote groundwater infiltration.
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Consider rain gardens, rain barrels, and other BMPs to capture stormwater on your property
Capturing stormwater at the source keeps it out of the storm drain system and allows it to be used on site for irrigation or to infiltrate slowly into the ground. There are many options for stormwater best management practices (BMPs) that are both practical and attractive. Some BMPs may also qualify you for a stormwater rate credit.
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Updated February 25, 2010
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