Learn about how lawns can preserve water quality
What pollutants around the home should concern us?
Introducing sediments, metals, pesticides, fertilizers, tree leaves, grass clippings, and household cleansers and automobile fluids into water bodies or ground-water can all threaten water quality. |
How does a dense, healthy, lawn protect water quality?
The lawn filters and purifies the water as it enters the soil en route to groundwater. Studies show that lawns reduce surface runoff compared to paved surfaces or bare soil. |
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Common sources of stormwater pollutants
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| Pollutant |
Source |
| silt, sand, and clay particles and other debris |
bare soil when establishing lawn; debris removed from vehicles, rooftops |
| nutrients (N, P, etc.) |
fertilizer discharged onto pavement, yard waste (tree leaves, grass clippings), pet waste |
hydrocarbons
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vehicle exhaust, automobile fluids, burning leaves and garbage |
| pesticides |
pesticides discharged onto pavement, applied immediately before heavy rain |
February is a good time to
• recognize and inventory the pollutants around your home.
• assess the risk of these pollutants entering a water body.
• minimize paved surfaces and bare soil areas.
• set target dates for action.
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