| SEVEN SIMPLE STEPS |
 The St. Clair River Watershed depends on the quality of the streams, creeks, drains, ditches and rivers that feed it water. Storm water runoff is the #1 source of pollutants for our waterways. Small actions to reduce pollution sources make a big difference when it rains. Take on the challenge of these seven simple steps to help ensure that waterways in the St. Clair River Watershed are protected from our daily actions.
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| 1. |
 Help keep pollution out of storm drains. Help keep pollution out of storm drains. Storm drains lead directly to our lakes and streams. So, any oil, pet waste, leaves, or dirty water from washing your car that enters a storm drain gets into our lakes and streams. Use a broom to clean the driveway and put debris in the trash. Using a hose just washes the debris into our lakes and streams. Never dump anything down the storm drain! Only rain in the drain! |
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| 2. |
 Fertilize caringly and sparingly. Excess fertilizer that gets into storm drains pollutes our lakes by causing large algae blooms and using up oxygen fish need to survive. Sweep excess fertilizer back onto your lawn, use a low or no phosphorus fertilizer, and have your soil tested to see what, if any, fertilizer is needed. Call the St. Clair County MSU Extension Program at 810-989-6935 to ask how to have your soil tested. |
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 Carefully store and dispose of household cleaners, chemicals, and oil. Instead of putting hazardous materials like antifreeze, old paint, computers, batteries and oil in the trash or down the drain, take them to the St. Clair County Environmental Services Department at the Smith’s Creek Landfill for proper disposal. For more information see the Smiths Creek Landfill website or call them at (810) 985-2443. |
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| 4. |
 Clean up after your pet. Whether on a walk or in your yard, promptly clean up after your pet. You’re not being just a good neighbor – you’re protecting our water from harmful bacteria! |
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| 5. |
 Practice good car care. Consider taking your car to a car wash or washing your car on the grass. Fix oil leaks, dispose of old tires at the landfill, and if you change your oil at home, dispose of used oil properly. Please see used oil drop off locations and tire recycling locations. |
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| 6. |
 Choose earth friendly landscaping. Protect your pets, kids, and the environment by using pesticides sparingly. Also, consider using plants native to Michigan so that you don’t need pesticides or additional watering in the summer. Please Contact Us to find out more information about how you can buy some native plant kits or learn more about native plants. |
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| 7. |
 Save water. Over-watering our lawns can easily carry pollution to the storm drains and to our lakes and streams. Consider using a broom instead of a hose to clean sidewalks and driveways. Direct hoses and sprinklers on the lawn, not the driveway. This will help reduce the amount of pollutants entering our lakes and streams and will also save you money! |
