Lake and Stream Care
Following basic guidelines for routine activities such as the maintenance of yards, gardens, automobiles and on-site sewage systems can reduce the overall inputs of pollution and nutrients into our lakes and streams. When it comes to boating, using some simple common sense can also help keep our waters clean. The following sections list some routine activities that can help protect our lakes.
On-Site Sewage Systems
- Inspect your system yearly and have the septic tank pumped every 2 to 5 years by a septic service company. Regular pumping is cheaper than having to rebuild a drain field.
- Use low phosphate or phosphate-free soaps.
- Do not put toxic chemicals (paints, varnishes, thinner, waste oils, photographic solutions or pesticides) down the drain because they can kill the bacteria at work on your on-site sewage system and contaminate water bodies.
- Conserve water by running dishwashers only when full and use low-flow showerheads, faucets and toilets. Laundry and other high use water activities should be spread throughout the week.
Yard Maintenance, Landscaping and Gardening
- If possible leave natural lakeside and streamside vegetation alone.
- In streams do not remove natural debris, such as stumps, fallen trees or boulders.
- Replant lakeside and streamside vegetation to help stabilize its banks.
- Leave erodable soils (soils that can be washed away) alone during the wet, rainy season.
- Cultivate plants that discourage pests and minimize high maintenance grass and turf areas.
- Reduce your fertilizers and pesticides.
- Do not use fertilizers in areas where the potential for water contamination is high, such as sandy soils, steep slopes, or compacted soils.
- Do not apply fertilizers or pesticides before or during rain due to the likelihood of runoff.
- Compost yard and kitchen waste and use it to boost your garden's health as an alternative to chemical fertilizers.
- Hand pull weeds rather than using herbicides.
- Use natural insecticides such as diatomaceous earth. Pesticides can kill beneficial and desirable insects, such as ladybugs, as well as pests.
- Keep pets and livestock away from streams
Automobile Maintenance (including ATV's Motorcycles, Lawntractors etc.)
- Do not wash your vehicle in a lake or stream.
- Check the fuel, oil, brake, transmission and cooling system of your vehicle regularly. Fix leaks or problems immediately.
- Use drop cloth when fixing problems yourself.
- Recycle used motor oil, antifreeze, and batteries at collection centres.
- Use phosphate-free biodegradable products to clean your vehicle.
Boating
- Do not throw trash overboard or use lakes or other water bodies as toilets,
- Use phosphate-free biodegradable products to clean your boat.
- Keep motors well maintained and tuned to prevent fuel and lubrication leaks.
- Conduct major maintenance chores on land.
- Use absorbent bilge pads to soak up minor oil and fuel leaks or spills.
- Recycle used lubrication oils and left over paints.