Residential Best Management Practices

Best Management Practices (BMPs) for households can help prevent stormwater pollution.

Activities:

Use drip pans to collect automobile leaks and spills.
Use your sanitary sewer cleanout when backwashing or draining your pool.
Apply fertilizer/ pesticides sparingly and never apply when rain or wind are in the weather forecast.
Dispose of household hazardous waste properly (local household hazardous waste event).
Dispose of used automobile fluids at your local garage, automotive store or at a household hazardous waste collection event.

xeriscape scene

A few examples of household activities that may contribute to stormwater pollution are vehicle maintenance (e.g. vehicle leaks, oil change, etc.), vehicle washing (e.g., soap), pets (e.g., pet waste), pool backwashing/draining (e.g., chlorine, diatomaceous earth), and lawn maintenance (e.g. use of fertilizers/pesticides, yard waste). However, by using some simple BMPs, you too can help prevent stormwater pollution.