Monroe County, Indiana

Clear Choices, Clean Water Pledge

The purpose of this campaign is to increase awareness about the choices we make and their impact on our streams and lakes. By educating citizens and encouraging individuals in Indiana to be their own water quality advocates we can work towards a healthy population and clean environment. 

Check out their website to see how you can make a difference! 

Tips for Your Property

Below are some easy to follow tips that can be followed to improve your storm water quality.

IN YOUR YARD OR GARDEN

 

• Plant a Rain Garden with Native Plants

Rain gardens are planted in a depression and designed to collect water and encourage infiltration into the ground. Visit the Rain Garden page to learn how to plant one of your own!

• Practice Sustainable Lawn Care

This website by Earth Easy has great tips and info for environmentally friendly lawn and garden care.

• Practice Dry Cleanup Methods When Cleaning Your Driveway or Sidewalk 

By using a broom instead of a hose, debris will be prevented from entering storm drain inlets and eventually streams.  Also, use cat litter to soak up leaked oil, which can be then thrown away in the trash once dry.

• Install a Rain Barrel

A rain barrel is usually a 55 gallon drum that collects and stores rainwater from your roof that would otherwise be lost to runoff and diverted to storm drains and streams. 

• Have Your Soil Tested

A soil test is an informative way to determine the quality of your soil.  The laboratory will test soil pH, nutrient content, and percentage of organic matter. From these results, you can determine exactly what nutrients your lawn and garden need, which will help minimize the use of chemical which can runoff into streams. Many private labs in and around Indiana offer a range of soil testing services.

The Monroe County Soil & Water Conservation District provides homeowners with a soil testing program, working with A&L Laboratories in Fort Wayne, IN. Click here to learn more and submit your soil test request.

• Minimize Your Use of Pesticides and Fertilizers

They can be easily washed off your property by rain and into streams.  If you must use chemicals, use those that are the least toxic, follow the directions carefully, and use as small amounts as possible. Do not use pesticides and fertilizers right before a rain.

• Use Phosphorus-Free Lawn Fertilizers

Phosphorus runoff from lawns is washed into streams and lakes, where it encourages algae growth.  But only newly-seeded lawns or phosphorus-deficient soils (as indicated by testing) require phosphorus.  When buying lawn fertilizer, look for the three numbers on the bag and choose products where the middle number is zero.  This indicates that the fertilizer does not contain phosphorus (the other numbers indicated the amount of nitrogen and potassium, respectively). 

• When Painting, Do Not Rinse Brushes Off in the Lawn or Dump Extras into Storm Drains   

Instead, rinse brushes and rollers off in a sink or tub, and drop your extra paint off at the household hazardous waste facility for reuse.

• Clean Up Immediately After Your Pets and Throw the Waste into the Trash 

Otherwise, disease causing pathogens in the waste can be transferred directly into streams.

• Dispose of Lawn Waste in Compost Piles and Use a Mulching Mower  

Never place leaves or other lawn debris in waterways because it will cause a decrease in oxygen in waterways, killing fish. It can also lead to algal blooms that can produce toxins harmful to human

• Reduce the Amount of Paved Area and Increase the Amount of Vegetated Area in Your Yard

Use native plants in your landscaping to reduce the need for watering during dry periods.  Consider directing downspouts away from paved surfaces onto lawns and other measures to increase infiltration and reduce polluted runoff.

• Use Integrated Pest Management Practices

To maximize the health of your lawn while minimizing the risk to your local waterways. 

IN YOUR GARAGE

• Maintain Your Vehicle so That it Doesn't Leak Oil and Antifreeze on the Ground

Park your car over a piece of cardboard overnight  to see what and how much fluid might be leaking.  If so, get it fixed as soon as possible.

• When Changing Fluids, Do Not Dump the Fluids into the Gutter or Lawn

The fluid from one oil change can pollute up to a million gallons of fresh water.  Instead, recycle the fluids and filters at one of the many transfer stations provided by the Monroe County Solid Waste District.  Call the MCSWD at 812-349-2020.

• Do Not Wash Cars, RVs, or Boats in Your Driveway

The detergent laden water runs into storm drains and then into creeks.  Remember, soap destroys dirt and organisms, it will do the same in creeks.  Instead, go to a full or self serve car wash because the water used there is cleaned in a waste water treatment plant. Also you can wash your car in your lawn so that the soap absorbs into the ground.

IN YOUR COMMUNITY

• Get a Group Together and Stencil Storm Drain Inlets

Know where the stormwater goes in your neighborhood and mark it with a "don't dump, drains to river" message.

• Report Any Illegal Dumping into Storm Drainage Inlets

Examples include, soil running off of construction sites into drains or failing septic systems.

You can anonymously report stormwater pollution here.

• Adopt a Storm Drain in Your Neighborhood

You can do this by yourself or with neighbors cleaning away debris from drains after storm events.

SWIMMING POOL MAINTENANCE

• Drain Your Swimming Pool Only When a Test Kit Does Not Detect Chlorine Levels

Chlorinated water is very harmful to stream life.

• Drain Your Pool or Spa Into a Sanitary Sewer System

• Properly Store Pool and Spa Chemicals

To help prevent leaks and spills, preferably in a covered area to avoid exposure to storm water.

SEPTIC SYSTEM AND SEWER MAINTENANCE

• Have Your Septic System Inspected

At least every 3 years by a professional, and have the septic tank pumped as necessary - usually every 3 to 5 years.

• Care for the Septic System Drain Field

Do not drive or park vehicles on it.  Plant only grass over and near the drain field to avoid damage from roots.

• Flush Responsibly 

Flushing household chemicals like paint, pesticides, oil, and antifreeze can destroy the biological treatment taking place in the system. Other items, such as diapers, paper towels, and cat litter, can clog the septic system and potentially damage components.