Just as small sources of pollution can have a cumulatively big negative effect on water quality, so can small changes in the daily practices of individuals can cumulatively have a strong positive effect. Some small things you can do include:
 

• Minimize the surface area of your lawn, substituting natural landscaping alternatives that minimize surface runoff and do not require fertilizers or pesticides to grow
• Plant trees and shrubs on your property
• Direct any water running off our property so that it filters into the soil instead of flowing out to the storm drain
• Do not store or pile leaves, grass clippings, or trash where wind or water can carry them into the storm drain or creek
• Minimize the use of fertilizers and pesticides
• Make certain that your septic system is functional
• if you are serviced by public sewers, make certain that your waste is going to a treatment plant and is not being discharged directly to surface waters or to storm drains
• DUMP NO WASTE into storm drains--they discharge directly to surface waters
• Become active and interested in land use planning decisions in your community and how they affect the water quality
• Maintain and preserve wetlands
• Use phosphate-free soaps
• Pick up animal wastes and bag for proper disposal
• Sweep paved surfaces to avoid discharge of dust and debris into storm drains
• Leave a wide undisturbed buffer around creeks and streams if  you own the property
• Dispose of hazardous waste responsibly
• Compost organic waste instead of throwing it away
• Conserve water, and minimize the organic waste thrown into a garbage disposal