It's your turn! Here are some positive household practices that you can do for your environment. You can make a big difference!

For information on Yard Waste Clean-up, the monthly Brush Collection Program, and other Recycling programs in the city, click here and then click the "Public Works Newsletter" link on the left-hand side.

Household Practices

Dumping any wastes into the storm sewer system is not only harmful to the environment, but it is also illegal. Things like used motor oil, gasoline, paints and other chemicals, etc. cannot be dumped.

To determine your refuse and recycling collection dates, click here.

Pet Waste

Pet waste can also negatively affect storm sewer systems. When it enters the systems, it increases bacteria and adds to unwanted plants and algae that diminish clean, clear waters. The result of the extra nutrients in the runoff results in stagnant and sludge covered water.

Therefore, pet owners should make sure pet waste is properly disposed of. There are two easy ways to help our storm sewer systems: either flush waste down the toilet or bury it.

Pet Waste Tip Sheet

Yard Maintenance

Everyone wants a great looking lawn. Yards should be managed properly so that chemicals are not over applied. Too many fertilizers and pesticides added to our lawns can allow those chemicals to be washed off easily. If they enter our storm sewer systems, the excessive nutrients can lead to algae blooms which decrease the water quality. In addition, keep grass clippings and leaves clear of storm drains. They also carry bacteria and extra nutrients that can be harmful to our surface waters.

Lawn Watering Tip Sheet

Lawn Watering (UW Extension Publication)

Mowing the Lawn Tip Sheet

Grass Clipping Tip Sheet

Composting Tip Sheet

Soil Test Tip Sheet

Fertilizers Tip Sheet

Lawn and Garden Fertilizers (UW Extension Publication)

Lawn Weed Control (UW Extension Publication)

Lawn and Garden Pesticides (UW Extension Publication)

Fall Fertilizing Tip Sheet

Rethinking Yard Care (UW Extension Publication)

Rain Gardens

Homeowners and businesses can participate in the reduction of polluted runoff by planting rain gardens. A rain garden is a shallow area in your yard that is planted with native wetland or wet prairie wildflowers and grasses. Planting these specialized gardens is an infiltration technique. It works by capturing water in a garden that features native plantings, and gives the water a chance to slowly filter into the ground rather than run off into the storm sewer. This is becoming a great way to reduce nonpoint source pollution, as well as protect the local lakes and streams.

For FAQ's and step-by-step instructions, check out this DNR manual.

Other Links:

Wisconsin Native Plant Lists: WI Native Plant Sources

DNR Search Engine for Native WI Plants

DNR Search Engine for Shady Rain Garden Plants

Rain Garden Websites

Rain Gardens (UW Extension Publication)

Rain Garden Manual (UW Extension Publication)

Storm Drain Stenciling

Storm drain stenciling is a fun, interesting way to increase the community's awareness of stormwater. Learn more about what you can do here!

Get Involved! What You Can Learn, and How You Can Help:

EPA Do's and Don'ts Around the Home

Environmental Protection Agency 

University of Wisconsin Extension

North East Wisconsin Stormwater Consortium 

Storm Sewers - The Rivers Beneath Our Feet 

Protecting Water Quality from Urban Runoff 

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR)

Kid's Links:

Polluted Runoff for Kids EPA 

EEK! Environmental Education for Kids WI DNR 

Recycle City (Games, Activities, Facts and Graphics) 

Water Science for Schools (How much water does it take to grow a hamburger? Find out here!) 

Surf Your Watershed (Find facts about the Lower Fox River Watershed)

RoboCow (Find out how this cow's adventures improve water quality)