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 WaterWise has partnered with the Barr Lake and Milton Reservoir Watershed Association to promote a Phosphorus (P) Free Lawn Fertilizer Initiative.
COLORADO WATER FOURTEENERS
14 WAYS TO KEEP FERTILIZER OUT OF OUR WATER
1
JOIN THE COALITION
We would love for you to commit to using P-Free fertilizer and join the state-wide coalition.
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WORK WITH COMMITTED LANDSCAPE COMPANIES
We are developing a program to certify companies that are watershed and water aware.
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SHOP AT COMMITTEED RETAIL STORES
A list of retail stores where you can purchase lawn fertilizer that doesn't contain P will be available soon.
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HAVE YOUR ORGANIZATION COMMIT
Your logo could be added to the list of organizations committed to reducing P in lawn fertilizers.
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KNOW THE EXCEPTIONS
This is only for lawns and even some lawns need phosphorus occasionally.
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Q & A
Phosphorus free lawn fertilizers have been around for over 20 years. You have questions about them? We have answers for you.
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GUIDELINES
It is harder than you think to properly take care of a lawn. These guidelines help with protecting our waters and keeping your lawn looking healthy.
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HELPFUL LINKS
Here is a list of helpful links and resources to help you with your lawn and protecting your watershed.
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OUTREACH
The goal is to reach out to all Colorado lawn owners to educate them about lawns and keeping our waters clean. Collectively, we can all help to keep our watersheds healthy.
TIPS FOR WATER QUALITY
COLORADO WATER FOURTEENERS
14 WAYS TO PROTECT WATER QUALITY
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.
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PICK UP PET POOP
Pet waste washes into our storm drains and pollutes our rivers.
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FIX THE OIL LEAK
Car leaks can spread oil into the water supply.
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DIRECT YOUR DOWNSPOUT
Ensure downspouts are pointed toward the lawn or plants, not the sidewalk.
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KNOW YOUR WATER
Water used inside is treated after use; water used outside is not.
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REDUCE PAVED AREAS
Use porous pavement materials and plantings that will allow water to soak through and not run off.
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SWEEP
Storm runoff from dirty sidewalks and streets pollutes our water.
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USE SAND OR CAT LITTER
Use sand or cat litter to de-ice sidewalks instead of salt.
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PLANT RAIN GARDENS
Learn how at Colorado State University Stormwater Center.
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FOLLOW DIRECTIONS
Always follow the manufacturer’s label for storage, use and disposal of all household chemicals.
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USE FERTILIZERS & PESTICIDES SPARINGLY
Test your soil and consider hiring a professional applicator if you do apply chemicals.
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USE A COMMERCIAL CAR WASH
Commercial car washes recycle water and don’t send soapy water into the storm drain.
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COMPOST
Compost and amend soil. Healthy soil acts as a water filter.
