Frequently Asked Questions

Soap, detergents, cleaners, medicine / drugs, motor oil, gasoline ,and other petroleum products; paint, chlorinated water, pesticides, fertilizers, and similar products containing ingredients that may be harmful to aquatic organisms. Other objects such as paper cups, bottles, plastic bags, soda cans, soil, grass clippings animal wastes, and other similar materials are also considered illegal discharges.

All water that drains off of streets, parking lots, driveways, and sidewalks ends up in creeks, rivers, and lakes. The water collects the harmful pollutants and carries them to creeks and lakes. You've probably seen openings alongside streets; these are called inlets. It is important to remember that all rain waters ultimately enter the creeks and lakes.

You can fertilize lightly as recommended by the manufacturer and use phosphorus-free lawn fertilizer. Pollution occurs when landscaping water carries runoff to storm drainage system. Typical pollutants include herbicides, pesticide, fertilizers, and mulch.

When pet waste is disposed of improperly, not only water quality suffers, but your health may be at risk as well. When pet waste is washed into lakes or streams the waste decays, using up oxygen and releasing ammonia that can kill fish. Various disease or parasites that can also be transmitted are: