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When land is converted from natural areas to developed urban areas, pavement and rooftops replace grass and trees. Water flows over driveways, streets and parking lots, taking with it everything that is in its path. This "runoff" is deposited via storm sewers into nearby lakes, creeks, and rivers. This non-point source pollution can contain sediment, debris, fertilizers, pesticides, leaves, grass clippings, motor oil, or pet waste. Small amounts of these materials entering a lake or river are not generally considered harmful. But when these small amounts are multiplied by thousands or tens of thousands they can cause serious water quality problems.
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You can help your watershed by understanding that you are part of the solution to water quality problems. Your actions affect the water and environment around us. Keeping your lawn healthy is beneficial to water quality. Properly maintain turf grass, or do away with turf altogether and plant native vegetation or plant a rain garden to help water quality by soaking up rainwater, reducing runoff, and retaining sediment. Use phosphorus-free fertilizers. Keep your leaves and lawn clippings out of streets and gutters. Pick up your pet's waste. It all adds up to better water quality. And that means that water is fun and safe to swim in, live by, and enjoy!
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Water-Smart Landscaping
Practice Proper Mowing Techniques
- Don't mow any shorter than 3-inches. This length promotes deeper root-growth so roots can both access moisture and minimize moisture loss.
- Use a "mulching blade" to finely chop grass clippings for use as lawn-mulch.
Reduce Soil Compaction
- Push a wire flag into the ground when the soil is moist (not wet and not dry). If is is hard to push in, you have a compaction problem!
- Aerate with a core-plug aerator, soil auger, deep-ripper, etc. The best time to aerate is in the fall.
- Add organic matter, preferably well-aged leaf compost, during aeration.
Use Low-Maintenance Grass Species
Smarter Watering
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Avoid watering between 11am and 5pm and in strong winds.
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Utilize low-volume drip irrigation and targeted irrigation.
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Buy a rain-sensor to shut timed irrigation systems off during rain events.
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Buy a moisture-sensor to shut off timed irrigation systems if the soil is wet.
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Consider purchasing an irrigation system controller that uses weather data to determine when to water.
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Don't water driveways and sidewalks.
Harvest Rain Water for Future Use
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Use a rain barrel or a cistern to collect water during rain events and use it to water your lawn and garden later.
Landscape with Native Plants and Cultivars on Native Plants
Other Water-Smart Landscaping Options
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Plant trees, shrubs and perennials to intercept rainfall.
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Plant rain gardens.
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Use permeable hardscapes (patios, driveways, and sidewalks which allow water to soak through them into the soil beneath).
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Additional stormwater information may also be found at the following links:
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