Best Management Practices - Home

  1. Apartments (PDF)
  2. Household Hazardous Product Use and Waste (PDF)
  3. Landscaping (PDF)
  4. Private Wells (PDF)
  5. Septic Tanks (PDF)
  6. Used Motor Oil (PDF)

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: