H2O Jo & Flo   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
LINKS
  Colorado Nonpoint Source Program

Boulder Area WASH Group
 
 
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BEYOND THE OBVIOUS:
What can you do to reduce nonpoint source pollution?
Keeping Our Waters Clean brochureNonpoint 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).

          More Managing Household Waste Information

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.

          More Lawn & Garden Information 

Maintain your septic system

  • Have your septic tank pumped regularly (a 3-bedroom house with a 1,000 gallong tank requires pumping every 3-5 years).
  • Do not use toilets as trash cans.

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.
  • Statewide program to educate local decision makers about the impacts of land use choices on water qualityReduce 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

  • Report any changes in river color or odor.
  • Report any unusual looking substances.
  • Report any illegal dumping activity.

View contacts to report illegal or suspect activity.
 
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P.O. Box 3349 | Basalt, Colorado 81621
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