Environment Task Force Newsletter
Ohio State University Extension
Fall, 1997, v1 #3

Protecting Water Quality--Tips for Autumn

Eric Norland, Ohio State University Extension Natural Resources Specialist

As autumn approaches, many activities take place that can impact water quality. Individual actions by each one of us can make a difference in improving and protecting our water resources.

• Keep leaves, litter and debris out of the street, gutter and storm drains. Storm drains outlet directly into streams and rivers. This means that the water is untreated. Whatever is in the gutters washes directly into watercourses and is a source of pollution. Cities and villages that use street sweepers to clean gutters on a regular basis prevent a considerable amount of pollution from washing into waterways.
• You've heard it before--grass clippings contain valuable nutrients and can provide up to 25 percent of your lawn's fertilizer needs. Leave them on the lawn, not in the gutter.
• When making fall applications of fertilizer to lawns, avoid getting it on sidewalks where it can wash directly into storm sewers. Sweep the product back onto the lawn where it can be of benefit. Rivers and streams don't need any more nutrients!
• The autumn months bring fall landscaping, construction projects and rain. Bare soil that is exposed to the erosive forces of rain can run off into ditches and gutters, and ultimately into streams and rivers. Strategies to consider are to minimize the time the soil is exposed, plant a fall cover crop such as rye or put up a silt fence that allows water--but not soil particles--to pass. Silt fence is not just for use on large construction projects. It can be purchased in home and garden stores for homeowner use.
• If autumn is the garage cleaning season for you, take care to properly dispose of any materials you no longer need. Do not dump into storm drains. Take paints, solvents, cleaners and pesticides to Household Hazardous Waste Turn-In sites or find a friend or neighbor who can make proper use of the material.
• Finally, get involved and let your opinion be known. There is probably a local watershed coalition, stream protection group or conservation organization in your watershed. To find out if there is one, contact your county Extension office. If there is no group and you want to get one started, Extension can help you.

Protecting local waterways requires local interest and involvement. Autumn is a great time to be outdoors--take time to observe your local streams and rivers and see what you can do to protect them.