For a video presenting ways you can better manage your watershed click here

What you can do at your home
Maintain your Septic System

• Get it cleaned every 3-5 years

Plant Trees and Shrubs along Streams and around your property

• Trees help filter runoff and absorb nutrients

Reduce Run-off from your property

• Use rain barrel and add a rain garden

Carefully use Pesticides, Herbicides, and Fertilizers

• Limit the usage of each

Dispose of Chemicals Properly

• Click here for a full list of chemicals that need proper disposal

Conserve Water

• Turn off water when shaving and brushing teeth

Start a Compost Pile

• Place organic materials into bin or pile outside
• Can be used as fertilizer

Reduce Driving, Use Public Transportation

• Conserve oil

Wash your Car on Grass

• Better yet use a car wash that recycles the water

Reduce Electricity Usage

• Turn off lights and appliances when not using
• Switch to halogen light bulbs

Use Non-Toxic Cleaning Products

• Borax, Baking Soda, Vinegar, and Lemon Juice

Recycle, Reduce, and Reuse

• Check for local recycling centers
• Limit usage of unneed products
• Find new purposes for your plastic, metal, and glass disposables

What you can do on your farm
Limit fertilizer and pesticide usage

• Try to use natural fertilizers

Manage your livestock waste

• Collect/store/dispose properly

Maintain waterways

• Keep water clear of debris and fallen limbs
• Ensure atleast one bank maintains tree or shrub cover

Plant trees, shrubs, or filter strips on the border of fields

• Plants filter excess nutrients from runoff

What your business can do
Offer funding for local projects
Encourage employees to volunteer
Practice water conservation in business
Recycle paper, plastic, cardboard, and ink cartridges


What your local government can do
Integrate local environmental issues into city and county ordinances
Implement stormwater management guidelines
Plan for water conservation strategies

• Offer feebates and conservation practice incentives

Assist neighborhoods and city organizations to help promote goals
Upgrade wastewater treatment facilities
Have staff participate on watershed teams