Simple Steps to Keep Water Clean

Here are some simple steps you can take around your yard and at home to help protect our lakes and streams.

1. Mark it. Never dump anything down storm drains found in the street or in roadside ditches. This water goes right to our lakes and streams. You and your friends can help by getting permission to mark the storm drains in your neighborhood so that other people know this water goes directly to our lakes and streams. Remember, only rain in the drain!
   
   
2. Sweep it. If you’re helping in the yard, use a broom to sweep any extra fertilizer or grass off of the driveway or sidewalk and back onto the lawn.
   
   
3. Recycle. Let your parents know that household wastes like batteries, cleaners, and antifreeze and oil from cars should be taken to a local community collection day.
   
   
4. Scoop it up. Pick up your dog's waste in the yard or on a walk and throw it in the trash.
   
   
5. Only rain in the drain. Wash your parents' car in a place where the dirty, soapy water doesn't wash into the storm drain in the street where it will get into a lake or stream.
   
   
6. Keep the clips. If you help in the yard by cutting the grass, leave the grass clippings on the lawn. Grass clippings can act as a great fertilizer and you won't have to empty the lawnmower bag.
   
   
7. Adjust it. Place your sprinkler on the lawn and adjust the water so that it only waters the grass — not the driveway, sidewalk, or street. 

Remember, water is important for our future.You can help protect it!

Thank you for helping to keep our water clean