TIPS FOR WATER QUALITY
Coloradans enjoy some of the best water in the West. Let’s keep it that way by doing our part to protect our beautiful rivers and water quality. Remember we all live downstream.
What happens upstream affects those downstream.
COLORADO WATER FOURTEENERS
14 WAYS TO SAVE INDOORS
1
DISPOSE OF MEDICINE PROPERLY
Dispose of medicine using a designated take-back program, not by flushing it down the toilet.
2
DON'T FEED STORM DRAINS
Avoid placing oil, pesticides, fertilizer, paints, trash, grass, leaves, household waste, etc. in the drains.
3
PICK UP PET POOP
Pet waste washes into our storm drains and pollutes our rivers.
4
FIX THE OIL LEAK
Car leaks can spread oil into the water supply.
5
DIRECT YOUR DOWNSPOUT
Ensure downspouts are pointed toward the lawn or plants, not the sidewalk.
6
KNOW YOUR WATER
Water used inside is treated after use; water used outside is not.
7
REDUCE PAVED AREAS
Use porous pavement materials and plantings that will allow water to soak through and not run off.
8
SWEEP
Storm runoff from dirty sidewalks and streets pollutes our water.
9
USE SAND OR CAT LITTER
Use sand or cat litter to de-ice sidewalks instead of salt.
10
PLANT RAIN GARDENS
Learn how at Colorado State University Stormwater Center.
11
FOLLOW DIRECTIONS
Always follow the manufacturer’s label for storage, use and disposal of all household chemicals.
12
USE FERTILIZERS & PESTICIDES SPARINGLY
Test your soil and consider hiring a professional applicator if you do apply chemicals.
13
USE A COMMERCIAL CAR WASH
Commercial car washes recycle water and don’t send soapy water into the storm drain.
14
COMPOST
Compost and amend soil. Healthy soil acts as a water filter.
