What Can We Do?
Everyone in the community has a part in preventing pollutants from entering storm drain inlets where they live and work. The Stormwater Ordinance requires certain activities to reduce pollutants.
Improving Our Water Quality
Here are a few ways you can help:
In My Yard?
Apply only the recommended rate of fertilizer.
Many yards in Frisco need less than 25 pounds which is usually half a bag. So you can save money, reduce watering needs and protect the water by splitting a bag with a friend. Never use high nitrogen fertilizers like 34-0-0. Better yet consider organic fertilizers which have a natural balance of nutrients. You should avoid fertilizing immediately before a heavy storm which will it wash downstream.
Don't use the street for yard waste disposal.
If you sweep or use a leaf blower direct the waste back into the grass or dispose properly. If you have a side chute mower direct away from street. Yard waste should be properly disposed. If you have a landscape company ensure they are properly disposing waste.
• Use chemicals only as a last resort and consider natural alternatives. Pesticides kill beneficial insects which help your landscape.
• Plant native or adaptive plants. Texas Smartscape plants require less water and maintenance to thrive; and because they grow well in North Texas.
• Use a cycle and soak method when watering your lawn. Our region’s predominate clay-like soil does not absorb water quickly. Add an hour between several shortened watering cycles to allow the water you are applying ample time to soak in rather than wastefully running off.
• Bag and dispose of your pet’s waste in a garbage can. Pet waste that remains on the lawn contains harmful bacteria that can wash into our waterways and ultimately our water recourses. Pet waste is not a good fertilizer for your lawn.
• Use a rain barrel to harvest the rain from your rooftop. You can collect and store the rain from a downspout in a collect device to use it on a future, sunnier day.
WITH MY CAR?
• Washing your car in the driveway allows soapy water to enter our water resources, but also oil, dirt and grime.
• Washing your car in the driveway allows soapy water to enter our water resources, but also oil, dirt and grime.
• Another alternative is taking your car to car washing facility where the water is recycled before and later sent to the sanitary sewer system for treatment.
• Repair your vehicle leaks as soon as possible. If you have a big leak you can't fix consider parking your vehicle at night over a drip pan.
• Dispose or recycle your used oil, oil filters, and antifreeze at an auto service center where these items are collected. Your used motor oil and filters can be collected at the Environmental Collection Center.
• Car batteries can be recycled at most of the automotive businesses or where car batteries are sold. There may be a fee for the service.
• Store any automotive parts in an area protected from the rain. This keeps remnants of oil and grease away from the ground and out of our storm drains.
ON MY BOAT?
• Take extra precaution when using gasoline to avoid spilling it on the ground or in the water.
• Never toss your trash into the water. Decomposing litter is harmful to water quality and wildlife. Monofilament fishing line and plastic six-pack rings are particularly harmful to aquatic and bird life.
• Be sure to check your boat engine regularly and fix oil leaks promptly.
• Rather than using soap, rinse and scrub your boat with a brush. When soap is absolutely necessary, try using a phosphate-free and non-toxic soap in moderation. Plan ahead and consider places where you can wash your boat to avoid soapy water from entering and contaminating water resources.
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If you are removing paint from your boat’s hull, catch the scrapings in a drop cloth, or sweep and throw them away in the trash. Bottom paints may contain copper or tin which are extremely toxic to aquatic life and water quality.