Use environmentally friendly, biodegradable household products daily. - Wash cars with minimum detergent and on gravel or lawns to avoid runoff entering storm drains.
- Never dump leftover detergents or cleaning compounds into gutters or storm drains.
- Use ‘natural' pesticides or fertilizers, as they all end up in the storm drains. Fertilizer runoff causes excess weed and algae growth in streams, which reduces the available oxygen for fish and other aquatic life.
- Dispose of unused paint and chemicals correctly.
- Oil, antifreeze and contaminants from car exhaust will kill fish when washed off roads into storm drains and streams.
- Keep garden waste out of streams. Branches, grass clippings and weeds rot and reduce the amount of oxygen in the water.
- Encourage insect-eating birds and friendly insects. Useful insects are spiders, ladybugs and lacewings that eat pest insects.
- When draining hot tubs or pools, direct the water slowly into the ground or sewer system. Never drain water into streets and storm drains. Chlorine and other chemicals are toxic to fish.
- Keep litter and trash out of streams. Limit in-stream cleanup activity to the summer months.
- If possible, redirect roof downspouts away from drain tiles and street storm drains.
- Keep streams shaded. Trees and bushes keep the water cool for fish and help stabilize the banks (called the riparian area). Check riparian area regulations (RAR) before doing anything near a stream.
Take a Streamkeepers Training Course and get involved!
