Here are 7 simple ways you can protect and improve water quality in your watershed:

1.  Avoid blowing leaves and grass clippings into waterways and wetlands or onto the street where they can wash into storm drains. They contribute to algae blooms and create unhealthy conditions for aquatic life. Also avoid putting motor oil, chemicals, and dirty or soapy water down storm drains.

2. Minimize the use of commercial fertilizers. You may not need to fertilize at all, and depending on your town some fertilizers may even be banned. Have your soil tested for free to find out if you need to amend it. Additionally, mow leaves and clippings into your lawn for a natural nutrient boost.

3. Use pesticides and weed-killers sparingly, if at all, and never dump them onto the ground or down drains. Instead, dispose of them and other hazardous waste at a collection site. ---> For Information on your towns disposal days (CT), visit this page.

4. Keep your septic system in good working order by having it inspected and pumped annually.

5. Keep harmful bacteria out of waterways by promptly placing pet waste in the trash, especially before watering your yard or hosing driveways and sidewalks.

6. Unhook downspouts and collect rainwater runoff from roofs in rain gardens or in rain barrels, which also helps to conserve water.

7. Consider maintaining a vegetative buffer zone along stream banks, ponds and wetlands by letting native grasses, shrubs, and trees grow. Such buffers catch and filter runoff before it reaches waterways, discourage geese, and provide shade, which is key to keeping water cooler and cleaner.

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What we do on our property affects many other parts of the environment including the air, water, soil and all that is living on it–our family, pets, neighbors and wildlife–or living in it–the insects, pollinators and plants.
 

The outcomes of our actions do not respect the boundaries of our property lines. Each of us has the power to strengthen the ecosystem by becoming an informed and proactive steward of our own property. If what we do enhances the environment for wildlife and plants, and is healthy for our neighbors and our family, we have taken steps in making a major positive impact. And each of us can do that with very little effort, if we know how.
 

The information here will help you become a strong steward of your property and all that it touches or connects to. You will be starting a cycle of good habits and positive environmental behaviors right in your own backyard!