How to Help Sligo Creek's Water Quality

• sweep the gutters and driveways regularly and place the sweepings in the garden
• prevent soil or mulch from being washed or blown off the garden
• rake up leaves or lawn clippings and use them as mulch on the garden or place them in the compost
• grass or re-plant areas of disturbed soil
• consider natural alternatives to pest control chemicals
• dispose of paint and chemicals at approved disposal sites (e.g., Shady Grove Transfer Station)
• consider using rain barrels, rain gardens, and other methods to reduce runoff and increase water infiltration in your yard

• pile sand and soil on areas where it can wash into the stormwater system
• overuse chemicals (pesticides and herbicides) that could be washed into stormwater from the garden or yard
• drop packaging or cigarette butts on the ground
• leave trash where bins are already full
• use too much fertilizer
• pour grease or food items down the kitchen drain; it may lead to sewer blockages

• pick up litter when you see it
• clean up pet droppings and dispose of them in the garden, rubbish bins, or in the toilet

• hose dirt off hard surfaces (roads, paths, driveways) into gutters
• hose leaves and grass clippings into gutter

• maintain your car, making sure there are no leaks and that fuel is burnt cleanly by keeping it in tune
• use the minimum amount of detergent for cleaning outside, and wash your car on the grass or on gravel.
• take your car to a car wash, where the water is recycled

• work on your car (including oil changing) in a place where oil and grease may wash into gutters
• wash the car in the street using detergent

• Participate in a water quality monitoring program, such as Maryland DNR Stream Waders, the Audubon Naturalist Society, and the Izaak Walton League Save Our Streams.
• Encourage civic leaders to implement policies that reduce stormwater volumes, sewer leaks, nutrients, toxic chemicals, and other impediments to water quality.