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. Click here to join the coalition.
COLORADO WATER FOURTEENERS
14 WAYS TO KEEP FERTILIZER OUT OF OUR WATER
1
JOIN THE COALITION
Click here to join the coalition and stay informed on efforts to keep P out of our water.
2
WORK WITH COMMITTED LANDSCAPE COMPANIES
A list of landscape companies committed to reducing P in fertilizer will be available soon!
3
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.
4
HAVE YOUR ORGANIZATION COMMIT
Your logo could be added to the list of organizations committed to reducing P in lawn fertilizers.
5
USE THE RIGHT PRODUCT
Match fertilizer type to crop needs.
6
USE THE RIGHT RATE
Match the amount of fertilizer to crop needs.
7
APPLY AT THE RIGHT TIMES
Make nutrients available when crops need them.
8
PUT FERTILIZER IN THE RIGHT PLACE
Keep nutrients where crops can use them.
9
TEST YOUR SOIL CONDITION
Get a soil test to determine what nutrients you need.
10
KNOW THE EXCEPTIONS
Exceptions for omitting P include agricultural lands, sod farms, golf courses and sports fields. These uses require a soil test.
11
Q & A
Check back for responses to the most frequently asked questions.
12
GUIDELINES
A Phosphorus-Free Lawn Fertilizer Guidebook will be made available soon.
13
HELPFUL LINKS
Additional resources will be linked here soon.
14
OUTREACH
Additional materials and information will be made available soon here.
TIPS FOR WATER QUALITY
COLORADO WATER FOURTEENERS
14 WAYS TO SAVE WATER
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.
