More Watershed Friendly Practices for All

by Eoin Carroll

Two months ago I told you that the three largest pollutants of the Chesapeake Bay are sediment and excess nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus).

Last month I explained that the majority of these pollutants ended up there via surface transportation caused by stormwater runoff and talked about ways homeowners could help reduce this.

This month I am going to talk about ways that everyone can become more watershed friendly regardless of where they live.  I have taken these tips from WatershedFriendlyPA.org which has many other ideas as well.

First I will talk about reducing contaminants in wastewater.  Sewage plants are marvels of technology but there are many things that they are not equipped to process.  Here are some of the most common ways you can help out:

• Proper storage and disposal of unused cleaning products, medicines, pesticides, old paint, etc.
• Use non-toxic cleaning products in moderate amounts.
• Putting grease and cooking oil down your sink is hard on your kitchen drain, your pipes, sewage pipes, and sewage plants.  At sewage plants, fats are hard to break down and so are mostly skimmed off and sent to landfills.  Why not send it there in the first place and avoid the clogs that they will cause in your kitchen.
• Compost food waste
• Pick up pet waste immediately and dispose of it properly.
• Use a commercial car wash (most car washes filter and reuse their water)
• Next is conserving water.  As we have discussed before, there is a limited amount of freshwater on earth.  Conserving it is important everywhere.
• Reduce water use inside the house by turning off the water while brushing your teeth and limiting shower time.  
• Do not pre-rinse the dishes before placing them in the dishwasher and only run the dishwasher when it is full.

Lastly you can get involved in community-based actions.

• Participate in community tree planting.
• Help plan or install a rain garden or native plant garden in a public space.
• Participate in an organized litter pick-up or pick up trash in your neighborhood on your own.
• Adopt a nearby storm drain and keep it clear of obstructions.

Your Watershed Circle will be trying to spread the word about upcoming events.  If you hear of one, please let us know so that we can help publicize it.  We will be adding these to the congregational announcement email that is sent out each week.