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Make
A Difference
You
Can Help Keep
Our Ponds and Lakes Clean!!
All of us are responsible for the stormwater
because it is generated from our homes and businesses. If we as community
can reduce the amount of water that comes off of our homes and businesses,
and if we can clean up the remaining water that does run off, our water
resources would be greatly improved.
Remember our storm drains flow directly
to our ponds and lakes. Here are a few things you can do:
- Fall is the best time to fertilize. Use no phosphorous
fertilizers as required by state law.
- Direct your roof downspouts onto your lawn or into
a rain barrel instead of onto your driveway or other hard surfaces.
Pervious areas such as lawns, allows water to infiltrate in to the ground.
Infiltration provides a number of water quality benefits including a
reduction in flooding and removal of some pollutants, including phosphorus
and heat, from stormwater. Rain barrels delay the release of stormwater
into the stormwater system, and thereby, reduce the risk of flooding.
As an added bonus, the water from rain barrels can be used to water
flower gardens, trees, and other landscaping.
- Create a rain garden. Rain gardens are special pervious
areas that can filter stormwater and double as a garden. Homeowners
can install rain gardens in their yards. Not only do you get a great
garden, but you help minimize the impacts of stormwater in your neighborhood
too. For more information on rain gardens, check out some of our Water
Resource Related Links.
- Decrease the amount of impervious or hard surfaces
in your yard. Pervious surfaces, such as permeable pavers, allow water
to infiltrate into the ground unlike the traditional concrete and bituminous
used in driveways and patios.
- Dispose of pet waste properly-do not let it wash into
storm sewers or water bodies. Pet wastes can contribute nutrients and
harmful bacteria to area lakes.
- Do not pour used oil, antifreeze, or other household
wastes into storm sewers.
- Establish buffer strip zones adjacent to wetlands,
lakes, and ponds. Buffer strips help filter water before it reaches
waterbodies, and if designed correctly with native vegetation, can improve
wildlife habitat.
- Volunteer! The City of Apple Valley in conjunction
with other organizations offers a number of water resources volunteer
opportunities for interested individuals including the CAMP (Citizen
Assisted Lake Monitoring Program) and WHEP (Wetland Health Evaluation
Project) programs. Apple Valley also offers stormdrain stenciling kits
for checkout, free of charge, to groups or individuals. Kits include
paint, instructions, stencils, and safety equipment.
For more information on what you can do to help keep our
ponds and lakes clean, contact the Natural
Resources Coordinator at (952) 953-2571.
Content updated on:
29-Dec-2006
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