KEEP IT CLEAN 'cause WE'RE ALL DOWNSTREAM

WESTERN SLOPE PARTNERS
	Roaring Fork Conservancy Colorado River Water Conservation District Mount Sopris Conservation District Pitkin County Eagle County City of Aspen Town of Basalt Town of Carbondale City of Glenwood Springs Town of Snowmass Village Aspen Center for Environmental Studies
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	Colorado Nonpoint Source Program Boulder Area WASH Group

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At Home
Testing Your Drinking Water

BEYOND THE OBVIOUS:
What can you do to reduce nonpoint source pollution?

Nonpoint source pollution finds its way into water from many different sources, here are some ways that your family can make a difference:

Buy and use products responsibly

Purchase only non-toxic products including water-based products.
Dispose of chemcials properly according to product instructions.
Do not dump excess chemicals into storm drains. Take them to a hazardous waste center (call your county government for locations).

Manage your household waste

Around the house or around town, pick up pet waste and dispose of it in the trash.
Dispose of your garbage properly and recycle when possible (consult your local phone directory for pick-up or drop-off locations).
Dispose of pharmaceuticals (prescription drugs) properly. Proper Disposal of Medicines.

Maintain vehicles

When washing your car use a commerical car wash which recycles water and does not directly discharge into water sources.
If you must wash your car at home, do so on the lawn where soapy water can filter into the ground water rather than running along hardened surfaces into water sources.
Keep your car functioning properly to avoid leaks and spills.
Dispose of oils and grease properly at a garage or auto parts store.

Practive smart yard maintenance

Avoid excess evaporation by not watering lawns between 10 am and 6 pm.
Avoid over-watering lawns which leads to increased runoff of pollutants.
Avoid using excessive fertilizers and pesticides in the yard; don't fertilize prior to a rainstorm; and seek natural alternatives to fertilizers and pesticides.
Where possible, compost organic yard waste including lawn clippings to return natural nutrients to the soil.

Maintain your septic system

Have your septic tank pumped regularly (a 3-bedroom house with a 1,000 gallon tank requires pumping every 3-5 years).
Do not use toilets as trash cans.
Learn Best Management Practices for Septic Tank Owners

Use river friendly landscaping

Plant native grasses that require less water.
Plant trees, shrubs, and ground cover, and use straw bales or retaining walls to decrease the amount of erosion around your home.
Reduce the amount of impervious surfaces by using wood chips, stones, or gravel rather than concrete for walkways and decks.
Protect existing trees and shrubs as they encourage infiltration of water into the ground and discourage erosion along river banks.

Report illegal dumping or unusual river conditions

View contacts to report illegal or suspect activity.

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