NATURESCAPING FOR
THE ROUGE RIVER WATERSHED:
A Series of Public Education Programs
sponsored by the
Southeastern Oakland County Water Authority
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IMPROVING YOUR HOME LANDSCAPE...
WHILE PROTECTING WATER QUALITY
Where pollution is concerned,Every home is waterfront property...
Runoff from home lawns and gardens in Southeast Oakland County flows into storm drains and combined sewers. Rain water and snow melt carry sediment and other pollutants to the Rouge River and other area waterways. River restoration depends, inevitably, on small actions taken by many individuals, government organizations and businesses.
Residents of metropolitan Detroit use the Detroit water system which withdraws and treats water from the Detroit River. Our water is continually recycled and reused -- for drinking, washing, watering and industrial uses.
Pollutants Carried by Storm Water Runoff
 | Sediment - soil particles with pollutants attached
| Fertilizers and pesticides
| Bacteria from pet wastes; geese and ducks; failing septic systems
| Oil, grease, salt and heavy metals from roads | Main 1 & 2 Subwatershed Runoff from our local communities flows into the main branch of the Rouge River which connects with other branches further downstream. Our actions in Southeast Oakland County affect residents of Detroit neighborhoods downstream. Learn About Healthy Lawn & Garden Practices Take steps now to improve your landscape, reduce yard waste and protect water quality. Join us for one or more of our 2001 programs. For a complete schedule and free fact sheets, telephone SOCRRA at (248) 288-5150 weekdays. Thank you! ROUGE REPAIR KIT CHECKLIST -- YOUR ACTIONS MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Select pest-resistant plants; minimize pesticide use.
| Consider native species of plants which "match" our ecology.
| Use slow-release fertilizers only if needed (soil nutrient testing is
the first step).
| Cut grass high (leaving 3" on the blade).
| Use compost to grow healthy plants and retain water.
| Use natural mulches to reduce weeds and hold soil in place.
| Cover exposed soils with mulch or grasses.
| Clean up pet waste and carefully discard.
| Do not feed ducks or waterfowl.
| Separate hazardous waste from household trash.
| Keep your auto engine in good repair; recycle used oil and antifreeze.
| Disconnect downspouts from sanitary sewers.
| Use an automated car wash -- don't wash cars on the pavement. | |
Copyright © 2001 [SOCWA]. All rights reserved.
Revised: April 09, 2003.