Best Management Practices - Home

Dos and Don'ts

Do...

  • Use non-toxic and less-toxic alternatives to household chemicals.
  • Follow package directions on pesticides, fertilizers, and other household chemicals Home mechanics can drop off their used oil at no charge at oil recycling collection sites.
  • Practice good housekeeping in automobile/shop maintenance areas.
  • Pick up spills with absorbent material and dispose of properly.
  • Have your septic tank inspected and pumped out regularly.
  • Be alert to signs of a failing septic system such as the presence of wet areas above the leaching field and backing up of wastewater following periods of heavy water use.

Don't...

  • Buy more hazardous chemicals than you need.
  • Use pesticides, fertilizers, or herbicides near your well.
  • Use commercial septic tank cleaners.
  • Pour hazardous materials down floor drains, sinks or toilets, on your property, or in storm sewers such as:
    • Degreasers
    • Disinfectants
    • Industrial Cleaners
    • Paint
    • Pesticides
    • Solvents
    • Waste Oil
  • Keep vehicles, livestock, or other heavy objects around your septic leach field and distribution line.

Resources

Additional pollution prevention information is available from the following resources: