Clean Water  -  Lake County's Lifeline

Lake County Stormwater Management Department  

In and Around the House:

• Recycle or properly dispose of household products that contain chemicals, such as insecticides, pesticides, paint, solvents, and used motor oil and other auto fluids.  Don't pour them onto the ground on into storm drains.
• Use a commercial car wash that treats or recycles its wastewater, or wash your car on your yard or other unpaved surface so that the water infiltrates into the ground and not into storm drains.
• Repair leaks and dispose of auto fluids and batteries at designated drop-off or recycling locations.   Do not pour auto fluids into drains or dispose of them in the trash.
• Use absorbent materials such as kitty litter or sand to clean up auto fluid spills or leaks, and place in the trash.
• Pet waste can be a major source of bacteria and excess nutrients in local waters.  When walking our pet, remember to pick up the waste and dispose of it properly.  Flushing pet waste is the best disposal method.  Leaving pet waste on the ground increases public health risks by allowing harmful bacteria and nutrients to wash into the storm drain and eventually into local  rivers and streams.

Around the Yard

• Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly.  When use is necessary, apply these chemicals in the recommended amounts.   Use organic mulch and safer pest control methods  whenever possible, or use environmentally friendly fertilizer and pesticides.

• Sweep up yard waste, grass clippings and leaves.  Don’t leave “green waste” in the streets or blow it into storm drains or sewers  Compost or mulch yard waste, if possible.

• Do not over water your lawn.  Water during cool times of the day and don’t let water run off into storm drains.

• Permeable Pavement - Traditional concrete and asphalt don't allow water to soak into the ground.  Instead these surfaces rely on storm drains to divert unwanted water.  Permeable pavement systems allow rain and snowmelt to soak through, decreasing stormwater runoff.

• Rain Barrels - You can collect rainwater from rooftops in mosquito-proof containers.  The water can be used later on lawn or garden areas.

• Rain Gardens and Grassy Swales - Specially designed areas planted with native plants can provide natural places for rainwater to collect and soak into the ground.  Rain from rooftop areas or paved areas can be diverted into these areas rather than into storm drains.

• Vegetated Filter Strips - Filter strips are areas of native grass or plants created along roadways or streams.  They trap the pollutants stormwater picks up as it flows across driveways and streets.