For Homeowners

As homeowners, there are things that we do everyday that impact the quality of our local waterways.  Remember, water is a finite resource.  The water we use today is the same water Will Shakespeare used to clean his pens.  It's the same water our children and grandchildren will use.  So it's up to us to help protect their future.

We can help protect our water by following these simple steps:

• Identify the storm drains in your neighborhood.  Make sure that nothing but rain goes into the storm drain. 
   
• Pick up litter that you see on the ground.  Bag and secure all trash and place in a proper disposal container.
   
• Help organize a community cleanup and/or adopt a street or adopt a stream.
   
• Limit fertilizer use and read the label. 
     
• Limit pesticide use and read the label.  
     
• Make your yard a Carolina Yard.  Contact North Carolina Cooperative Extension at 336-767-8213, to learn the simple steps you can take to have a certified Carolina Yard.
   
• Collect and dispose of pet waste properly.  
   
• Take your car to a commercial carwash where water is recycled before it is released into the sanitary sewer system.  
   
• Stabilize and vegetate bare and eroding areas of your lawn.  Sediment is the #1 source of pollution in North Carolina streams.  
     
• Recycle all used motor oil.  
     
• Volunteer to be a Storm Drain Marker or Adopt-A-Stream—call 747-6960.
   
• Report suspected pollutants going into a stream or storm drain. Call 747-7480!