What can WE do to keep our water clean?
What can WE do to keep our water clean? Learn more here from Cornell Cooperative Extension.
VOLUNTEER: Get involved in keeping our waterways safe by clicking here.
PET WASTE IS POLLUTION: Never put pet waste in the storm drain.
PREVENT TOXIC ALGAE BLOOMS: Nutrients come from sediment and fertilizer runoff from our lawns, from directing car wash soap, pet waste, or leaf and grass clippings to the storm drain or local waterways, and from improperly-managed septic systems. Fertilizer can be particularly harmful! Most soils in NYS contain adequate amounts of Phosphorus. Please Look for the Zero when buying fertilizer, and only apply IF NEEDED per the Rockland County Fertilizer Law Act . Learn how to cultivate a sustainable lawn and also see our Sustainable Landscapes series on establishing a thicker lawn/turf, pest management, and more.
AVOID SINGLE USE WATER BOTTLES: Reusable water bottles help reduce plastic pollution in our waterways.
KEEP IT CLEAN: Flushable Wipes (such as personal hygiene, baby, and cosmetic wipes) do not break down in the sewer system and cause untreated sewer backups when they stick to grease in the line or get stuck in smaller pipe joints. Click here to learn more.
NO DUMPING: Catch basins in Rockland County do not lead to treatment plants, but instead lead directly to local waterways, therefore dumping will not ‘take away’ your problem, but will impact your health, your drinking water supply, and your local water recreation activities. Click here to learn more.
CLEAR MEANS CLEAN: Stormwater runoff is a major source of contamination in the Nation’s waterbodies. It is therefore very important to never dump to storm drains and keep your community clean of trash and pollution. Always keep storm drains clear to avoid flooding around your property.
CHOOSE A FISH FRIENDLY LAWN FERTILIZER: Toxic algae blooms occur when excess nutrients, predominantly Nitrogen and Phosphorus, enter our waterways mostly from human activity where naturally-occurring algae gobble them up and multiply to high “bloom” levels. Algae blooms starve the water of oxygen (a condition known as ‘hypoxia’), causing fish and shellfish die-offs. Click here to learn more.
CLEAR MEANS CLEAN: Stormwater runoff is a major source of contamination in the Nation’s waterbodies. It is therefore very important to never dump to storm drains and keep your community clean of trash and pollution. Always keep storm drains clear to avoid flooding around your property.
NO WIPES IN THE TOILET: Flushable Wipes (such as personal hygiene, baby, and cosmetic wipes) do not break down in the sewer system and cause untreated sewer backups when they stick to grease in the line or get stuck in smaller pipe joints.
GET A RAIN BARREL FOR $25: Veolia customers receive a $50.00 rebate which can be purchased at the Cornell Cooperative Extension at 10 Patriot Hills Drive, Stony Point.
Homeowner's Lawn Care and Water Quality Almanac
Are you illegially applying fertilizer in Rockland County?
Reduce algal blooms with no phosphorus fertilizer
What's in our waters? Stormwater education for kids
Storm Drain Marker Program - keep oil and waste out of our water!
Identifying & Preventing Stormwater Pollution in Your Neighborhood - NYSDOT Poster