Home Project Tips for Clean Water
Whether you do it yourself or hire a contractor for home projects, here are a few tips to get the job done and prevent water pollution. Remember—products labeled as "non-toxic" may still be toxic to fish in streams.
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Painting - Never wash brushes or rollers over storm drains. Clean up spills with kitty litter.
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Carpet Cleaning – Dispose in toilet if you are on a sewer system. Collect water and dispose of at sewer treatment plant if you are on septic.
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Pressure Washing – Avoid hazardous cleaning products and place filter fabric over storm grates.
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Car Maintenance – Fix leaks, clean up spills, and never pour fluids into ditches, storm drains or waterways.
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Roof Moss Control – Consider ways to prevent growth. Treat problem areas with zinc strips.
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Car and Boat Washing – Wash on gravel or grass, or take it to a commercial car wash.
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Disposal of Household Hazardous Waste – Package up properly while transporting to reduce spills. Keep products in their original containers.
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Pick Up Pet Waste – Kitsap dogs drop 11 tons of waste each day. Scoop, bag and trash it for clean shoes and clean streams. Picking up in your backyard frequently will make a difference.
Hiring a contractor? Ask where they dispose of wash water and left over materials.
Consider requesting receipts for disposal.
