People are the number one source of stormwater pollution. Around the house, pollution sources include pesticides, fertilizers, grass clippings, and leaves, from your lawn care; engine fluid, oils, and soaps from washing your car; loose soil from your property; wintertime ice melt (salt) from your driveway; pet waste and trash.  Water flowing across pavement carries all of these things and more down the storm drain and into our lakes and rivers.

Pollution prevention is much more affordable than treating polluted water. Here are a few things you can do:

• Don’t put anything in storm drains.
• Avoid throwing litter into the street.
• Pickup after your pet. 
• Maintain your vehicle so it doesn’t leak.
• Recycle your motor oil.
• If you wash your car at home, wash it on your lawn to keep the soap out of the drain. 
• Bag, compost or recycle grass, tree limbs, leaves and other yard waste. 
• Use yard waste as mulch, natural fertilizer or ground cover.
• Be smart when you apply pesticides or fertilizers. Follow the package instructions.
• Never apply lawn chemicals before a rainstorm.
• Sweep up grass clippings, leaves, and fertilizer from paved surfaces. 
• If you have a septic system, maintain it properly. Mismanaged septic systems are a health hazard and can pollute groundwater.
• Encourage local businesses to start a recycling program if they don’t already have one. 
• Don’t use harsh, abrasive or toxic chemicals around the house. 
• When purchasing chemicals, buy just what you need to do the job.
• Keep any chemicals tightly sealed and in a covered place. 
• Report illegal dumping.  Call (308) 646-6557 to notify the Stormwater Department directly. You can also contact the Public Works Department at (308) 385-5455 or digitally via email, Facebook, or Twitter. All reports will be investigated.